By Anne Harvester


The need to protect gallery wraps has come about due to the fact that they do not have frames. In the past, nearly all artwork was displayed with frames. In modern shows and galleries, these frameless paintings and photographs have become more and more popular, making it necessary to find a way to protect them from the dangers that pop up when there is no frame. To figure this out, we must first start with the differences in the construction of the canvases.

Prior to this era, it was assumed that when an artist finished a painting, the painting would then be framed. Therefore, it was commonplace for canvases to be stretched and stapled or tacked to the sides of stretcher bars made of thin wood. When the frame was installed, it covered these staples or tacks and also gave the painting a finished look and protected its edges.

Today, thicker stretcher bars measuring one and one quarter to two inches are used. The canvas is then stretched around these bars and the staples or tacks are positioned on the back side. To complete the canvas, the back can be covered with framing paper and fitted with metal hangers and corner bumpers or it can simply be fitted with a wire hanger. This allows the painting to be hung on the wall without a frame and without showing the staples or tacks. It also gives it a 3D look when hung on the wall.

The obvious benefits of this style have made it very popular with both galleries and other retail outlets. No longer do they have the responsibility or the expense of framing the artwork prior to exhibiting it to the public. They are able to hang a piece of art without worrying that the style of frame they chose will not please the customer.

By eliminating the frame, it exposes the canvas to other dangers. Unprotected corners are an obvious hazard as are scuffing, cracking, and scratching. Although a frame cannot block U. V. Rays from damaging a piece of art, this too must be taken into consideration.

A single solution to all of these dangers can be the application of a laminate. This will not only protect the canvas from pollutants found in the atmosphere such as hydrocarbons and ozone, but also from the fumes caused by tobacco smoke and cleaning solutions. It will also prevent damage from U. V. Rays and act as a deterrent to scuffing, scratching and cracking.

Whether the work of art is a painting, a photograph or a print, there are several composition and options from which you can choose. Polyester, polycarbonate, copolymer and vinyl are some of the composition choices. Finishes can be matte, gloss luster or velvet. Each of the options has different characteristics allowing you to select the one which best fits your needs.

You can decide to do the work yourself or have it done by an experienced professional. Companies specializing in applying laminates are easily found in the art world. No matter which you choose, to protect your investment, you must protect gallery wraps.




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