A package of Plexiglas, matted print and backboard sealed along the edges with tape is called passe-partout. This is usually done to protect the enclosed piece from water in the case of a leak in a gallery. Because the adhesive can cause the edges of the mat to become sticky, polyethylene strapping is used to prevent the edge of the mat board from coming in contact with the adhesive on the tape. Compared to the strips of paper or Mylar that is commonly used, the poly strap is easier to apply and reposition if needed.
How to Do It :
Passe-Partout at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
With thanks to Sarah Gurney, Assistant Preparator at the
Department of Paper Conservation, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
Supplies Needed: Plexiglas, mat board, backboard (waterproof board such as coroplast), adhesive tape, 3/8" inch polyethylene strap, scissors
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STEP 1: Placing the
matted print covered in Plexiglas on top of backboard (ideally
coroplast). |
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STEP 2: Close up
shot of the Plexiglas, art in mat and backboard. |
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STEP 3: Tape is
being placed along the Plexiglas to seal the edges. The tape
is positioned very close to the edge of the Plexiglas so that it will
be concealed once the packaged artwork is framed. |
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STEP 4: With the
Plexiglas, matted piece and blue backboard package turned over, a strip
of the the Polyethylene Strap is applied across the tape along the edge
of the package. and extends beyond the edge of the package. |
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STEP 5: This is a
close up of the strapping being applied to the tape. |
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STEP 6: This is an image of me finishing taping of the edge. This is to be done to all four sides. When finished, you have a sealed package to protect the artwork against dirt, dust and moisture (when backed with a waterproof backboard such as coroplast). |
