Is the lignin in wood frames a concern?

walbergb · Dec 20, 2012

I make my own wood frames, usually out of maple. I don't usually stain and top coat the rabbet cut. Should I be concerned about the lignin from the raw wood adversely affecting the overmat?

Paul Goutiere · Dec 20, 2012

Any time the mat touches wood you can have a chemical change. The glass will prevent contact, assuming you intend to use glass or plexi.

BMbikerider · Dec 20, 2012

A coat of varnish inside the rebate and the back edge will also make it sealed.

DREW WILEY · Dec 20, 2012

Never use conventional varnish unless its been thoroughly outgassed over a period of six months or
more. The solvent fumes aren't good for the print; and water-based versions might not consitiute a suitable barrier layer. What you want to use it true shellac, the alcohol-soluble kind. It is a unique product which can't be synthetically duplicated. You could also apply foil tape to the rabbet, but
shellac is simpler.

fdi · Dec 21, 2012

Wood is a naturally acidic product. Most people are aware in the protective use of the mat in keeping the print off the glass, but it is also useful for keeping the print away from the rabbet of a wood frame. Lineco makes a frame sealing tape.

Bob Carnie · Dec 21, 2012

+ 1 on the frame sealing tape

fdi said:
Wood is a naturally acidic product. Most people are aware in the protective use of the mat in keeping the print off the glass, but it is also useful for keeping the print away from the rabbet of a wood frame. Lineco makes a frame sealing tape.

walbergb · Dec 21, 2012

Thanks everyone. Frame seal tape sounds good

thefizz · Dec 29, 2012

Interesting info.

RalphLambrecht · Dec 29, 2012

yes, stay away from wood and go for anodized(not painted)aluminum.

Paul Goutiere · Dec 29, 2012

Conservators will use foil (aluminum) duct tape for the inside of the rabbet which is inexpensive and really easy to find at most hardware stores. It is a tad
hard to install because the aluminum can tear easily.

Better yet is material like some stuff from "LINECO" called "I-Film Frame Sealing tape". It is archival and easier to install in the rabbet.

rhcgn · Dec 29, 2012

for those that can't source the lineco tape, crescent makes a good substitute. love that stuff. http://www.crescent-europe.com/Prod...eeevent/vartakeover-true/FS46602c2e4482c.html

Paul Goutiere · Dec 29, 2012

rhcgn said:
for those that can't source the lineco tape, crescent makes a good substitute. love that stuff. http://www.crescent-europe.com/Prod...eeevent/vartakeover-true/FS46602c2e4482c.html

And they make great mat board.

walbergb · Dec 30, 2012

RalphLambrecht said:
yes, stay away from wood and go for anodized(not painted)aluminum.

Thought about it, but woodworking is another hobby of mine, and it is so much fun making wood frames.

georg16nik · Jan 7, 2013

walbergb said:
Thought about it, but woodworking is another hobby of mine, and it is so much fun making wood frames.

yes, its fun but If You are not a MASTER in bacteriology and parasitology, wood is not Your friend, not even close.

Is the lignin in wood frames a concern?

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