Securing Floater Frames to Panels with Articient Spacers
Artists love showcasing their work in floater frames with panels. For starters, these frames create a stunning, modern look. They make artwork appear to float. Moreover, Articient spacers simplify this process. They ensure a secure, professional mount. This guide explains how to use Articient spacers. Specifically, it covers selecting frames, attaching spacers, and mounting panels. Follow these steps for flawless results.
Why Choose Floater Frames to Panels?
Floater frames to panels enhance artwork’s visual appeal. They provide a clean, gallery-style presentation. Additionally, the gap around the artwork creates a floating effect. Articient spacers make this setup easy. They bridge the gap between panel and frame. Furthermore, they accommodate various panel thicknesses. This flexibility suits most artists’ needs. Ultimately, choosing the right frame is key.
Selecting the Right Floater Frame
First, check the frame’s rabbet depth. It must exceed your panel’s thickness. For example, a 1/8" panel needs a deeper rabbet. Conversely, a frame with a shallow rabbet won’t work. Articient spacers adjust for thicker panels. However, thinner panels fit more frames. Panels over 1 13/16" limit frame options. As a result, gallery owners note sales losses with thick panels. Therefore, stick to thinner substrates. Articient offers ultra-deep floater frames for thicker works.
Understanding Articient Spacers
Articient custom-builds spacers for floater frames to panels. These spacers act as full-frame inserts. They attach to the artwork’s back. For instance, artists can glue or use Velcro. Gluing provides a stronger bond. Spacers are cut to fit the frame’s rabbet. They ensure the artwork sits flush or slightly recessed. The recess ranges from 0" to 3/8". This range meets gallery standards. Additionally, spacers are 1/4" shorter than artwork. This prevents visibility from the front.
How Articient Spacers Work
Articient spacers are tailored to your artwork’s size. For a 24x30 panel, the frame opening is 24 1/2" x 30 1/2". This creates a 1/4" float around the artwork. Consequently, the spacer measures 23 3/4" x 29 3/4". It remains hidden. Spacers for canvases include four countersunk holes. These holes face outward during attachment. On the other hand, for panels, no holes are needed. Instead, glue secures the spacer to the panel.
Step-by-Step Guide to Mounting Panels
Here’s how to mount panels using floater frames to panels:
- Measure Your Artwork: Confirm the panel’s dimensions. Enter these when ordering from Articient.
- Select a Frame: Choose a floater frame with adequate rabbet depth. Check Articient’s ultra-deep options if needed.
- Order Spacers: Specify panel thickness in Articient’s spacer dropdown. Spacers are custom-cut for your frame.
- Prepare the Frame: If ready-to-assemble, glue frame pieces. Wait one day for the glue to cure before mounting.
- Attach the Spacer: Center the spacer in the frame tray. Use canvas keys, a stack of business cards, or cardboard strips to align.
- Secure the Spacer: Predrill holes in the frame’s back. Screw the spacer to the frame.
- Glue the Panel: Apply glue to the spacer’s front edge. Place the panel carefully.
- Center the Panel: Use canvas keys or cardboard to align. Ensure a 1/4" float around.
- Weigh it Down: Place a book on the panel. Use wax paper to protect the artwork. Let glue dry.
Tips for a Professional Finish
Always predrill holes to prevent wood splitting. Use screws that aren’t too long. For canvases, screws must not pierce stretchers. Additionally, ensure the panel is dry before gluing. Articient’s videos demonstrate these techniques. Therefore, watch them for clarity. If ordering ready-to-assemble frames, assemble spacers similarly. Glue them and insert dovetails. Finally, wait a day before mounting. This ensures a strong bond.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Some artists choose frames with shallow rabbets even though their artwork is 'thicker" than the rabbet. This causes fit issues. Others use thicker panels without checking that frame depth can accommodate the added depth. Consequently, framing options become limited. Shaving a panel is risky and can damage artwork. Instead, select thinner panels. Also, avoid disturbing glue before it cures when mounting. This weakens the bond. Lastly, don’t skip predrilling holes in the frame. It prevents frame damage.
Benefits of Using Articient Spacers
Articient spacers offer several advantages for floater frames to panels:
- Custom Fit: Spacers are cut to match your artwork and frame.
- Hidden Design: 1/4" shorter dimensions ensure spacers stay invisible.
- Flexible Mounting: Works with panels from 1/8" to 1/2" thick.
- Professional Look: Achieves a 0" to 3/8" recess for a gallery-standard float.
- Easy Installation: Glue or Velcro options simplify the process.
Why Thin Panels Can Be Better
Thin panels increase framing flexibility. They fit most floater frames to panels. Thick panels, over 2", restrict choices. For example, gallery owners report lost sales with thick, unframed works. Clients often demand specific frames. If the frame doesn’t fit, sales fail. Therefore, paint on 1/8" or 1/4" panels. Articient spacers handle these perfectly. They ensure your work fits any frame.
Articient’s Ultra-Deep Floater Frames
For thicker panels, Articient offers ultra-deep floater frames. These accommodate panels up to 1 13/16". However, options are limited. Check Articient’s selection online. Their spacers still work with these frames. Simply specify the panel thickness. As a result, the spacer adjusts the fit. This ensures a professional, floating effect.
Final Thoughts on Floater Frames to Panels
Using floater frames to panels elevates your artwork. Articient spacers make it simple. They ensure a secure, professional mount. By choosing thin panels, you gain framing flexibility. Always check rabbet depth before ordering. Follow Articient’s mounting steps for best results. Moreover, watch their videos for extra guidance. With these tips, your artwork will shine. Visit Articient’s website for frames and spacers. Start framing today!
