Framing

Frameless Displays

Acrylic Facemounts

 

By April Hann Lanford
The artwork featured in the image above is by photographer Lincoln Shatz.

Frameless Displays, Acrylic Facemounts

By April Hann Lanford

A frameless and contemporary way to display photographs; acrylic facemounts have become a favorite option among professional artists and galleries.  It provides a sleek, streamlined, and economical way to present works as large as 5 ft x 10ft.

What is an Acrylic Facemount?

The application of an optically clear adhesive directly to the face of a print and adhering it to a sheet of acrylic.  The face of the print adhered directly to the acrylic and the elimination of space between the two, makes the colors appear more brilliant, and the details sharper than traditional framing.

The print is then backed with a rigid substrate such as Dibond. A cleat is installed on the back for hanging, which then creates a frameless floating appearance of the completed work when installed on the wall.

 

The Process

The process begins with an image printed with an archival Epson inkjet printed on archival photo paper. Our printing materials are known for their color accuracy, resolution, depth, and vibrancy, and result in a museum-quality print.

The print is then facemounted to a sheet acrylic using an Opti-clear, pH neutral adhesive with UV inhibitors.  Once facemounted print is backed with an aluminum composite called Dibond and a full rigid wood or aluminum cleat back frame for a simple, yet secure hanging

Since we use archival materials to create our acrylic facemounts, our process withstands the test of time. The acrylic and adhesive that we standardly use, blocks up to 90% UV rays.  Glazing upgrade options are available that give your mounted prints additional UV protection. A preferred option, which provides the highest UV protection that is also abrasion-resistant, and anti-reflective, is Tru-Life Acrylic.

 

acrylic facemounts, tru-life glazing, gallery display, custom fabrication
anatomy of a facemount to acrylic

Contemporary and Customizable

Over the past decade, acrylic facemounts have become a popular contemporary presentation medium for photographers, art galleries, and fine art applications. Given its inherent sleek design, UV protective qualities, ability to be customized, it is an ideal medium for creating distinctive artwork.

Given its sleek and contemporary design, along with its inherent durability, acrylic facemounts are ideal for creating wall art for the home, public venues, and corporate offices.

If you would like to learn more or to start a project with us, please contact:

 

April@artifactservices.com

312-344-0331

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Collection Care Articles

By April Hann Lanford

Our collection of educational articles provides an introduction to many topics about the preservation and conservation of fine art, antiques, and fine furniture.

Topics are often written as a result of questions provided by our clients. 

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Framing Articles

By April Hann Lanford

There is a lot that goes into the design and fabrication of an archival custom frame. Whether a minimal TIG welded aluminum frame, acrylic vitrine, or a custom carved wood, 22k gilded antique revival frame, each design can have a variety of approaches and materials.

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Emergency Care Articles

By April Hann Lanford

Our emergency care articles are a helpful introduction to how to prevent damage through preventative measures or art and antique collections.  When a disaster strikes, prompt response and taking the right steps can mitigate further damage.  

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Antique Trader Articles

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We can also serve you by appointment at our other locations in the Chicagoland area.

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