Framing fabric under glass: ideas and considerations
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Want to frame fabric under glass? There are a few ways to go about it. Get the facts in our guide.
In some places, such as museums and galleries, fabric is framed under glass to increase its lifespan. Not only that, but a good frame can also focus attention on the piece of art or historical artefact.
But fabric isn't only framed under glass in cultural institutions. It can also be framed to create pieces of art to be hung in homes, offices or public spaces.
Then there's fabric laminated between sheets of glass. This can be used to create art pieces or to make textured glass installations such as partitions, doors, windows and even balustrades.
It's a versatile way of presenting fabric and combining the strength of glass with its delicate textures. So, how is it done?
It all depends on the effect you're going for. The methods used for DIY art pieces, for instance, are different from those used in the British Museum or other cultural institutions.
In this article, we take a look at some of the most common methods. First off, how do you frame fabric under glass at home?
Framing fabric under glass at home
To frame a piece of fabric at home, you need to assemble your materials.
First, you need a box frame. This will ensure there's no direct contact between the fabric and glass. If these two materials get too close, moisture or even mildew can build up.
You can buy box frames off the shelf or get them customised. This will depend on the size of the fabric and how much space you want around it.
The fabric can be mounted onto a mat board like the ones used for prints. It can be stretched over a board before being mounted in the frame. Or it can be separated from the glass with Plexiglass spacers.
The materials you use for backing and mounting need to be acid-free. If they're not, you could risk damaging the fabric.
There are different ways to mount the fabric, too. The one you choose will depend on the robustness of the fabric.
Old or delicate fabrics can be hand-stitched. More robust fabrics, meanwhile, can be mounted with pins.
Your main aesthetic choices relate to the frame and the amount of space around the fabric. However, you can use matting or spacers to make it look like the fabric is floating in the frame. You can also explore back-lighting and border lighting.
Framing fabric in museums
The job of a museum is to conserve as well as present – and this dual function is reflected in the methods museums use to frame fabric under glass.
First of all, the fabric needs to be handled with care to ensure it's not damaged during the process. Once in the frame, it needs to be protected from light and moisture.
As with framing fabric under glass at home, museums will choose their methods depending on the type and condition of the fabric.
The fabric will be mounted on a fabric-covered mat-board or stretcher. Fabrics can be stitched, pinned or pressure-mounted, depending on the strength of the fabric.
Fabric on display is typically mounted in box frames. This lets the fabric "breathe" and stops it from touching the glass cover directly.
Another consideration is the type of glass used to cover the fabric. Museums often use UV-protective glass to block out harmful UV rays, which can damage the fabric over time.
Framing fabric under glass in galleries
In galleries, fabric is often framed under glass in a similar way to museums. There are, however, some differences.
A fabric piece of art will typically be stretched tautly over a wooden frame and then stapled or adhered in place.
As in museums, conservation techniques are used to protect the materials. These include acid-free mounting and backing materials and UV-protective art glass.
Box frames can be used, but galleries often use special gallery frames. These give the appearance of a frame within a frame.
The finished product is often lit with LEDs. These are low in UV rays, protecting the fabric from light damage.
Sometimes, especially old or delicate fabrics are moved around the gallery to increase their longevity and stop them from fading.
What is UV-protective glass?
UV-protective glass is a type of glass specially manufactured to block out ultraviolet (UV) rays. These rays can damage artworks, photos, fabrics and other materials.
Also known as "conservation glass" or "museum glass", UV-protective glass has a coating that absorbs or reflects UV light. This helps increase the lifespan of the materials framed under glass.
Fabric laminated glass
All the methods we've mentioned so far are used to conserve the fabric as well as protect it. With these methods, the fabric can be retrieved when desired. But what if you want to create a permanent piece of framed fabric?
This is where
fabric laminated glass comes in.
Laminated glass is a type of safety glass that works a bit like a sandwich. Two outer layers of glass cover an interlayer. This can be made out of plastic or, in the case of our
fire-resistant glass, a special kind of gel.
There the comparison with a sandwich ends. The interlayer is bonded to the outer layers, creating a glass product that's highly robust and hard to break.
Laminated glass is primarily a safety product. But the interlayer can be decorative, too. It can have a
metallic mesh effect or a
colour – or it can be made of fabric.
At ToughGlaze, we offer
TG FI, a strong, versatile and beautiful fabric laminated glass product. It can be used in many residential and commercial applications, backlit or edge-lit, made with different kinds of glass and even installed outside. And like all our products, it's manufactured to meet British industry standards.
So, if you're looking for high-quality
fabric laminate, don't hesitate to
get in touch with ToughGlaze for a quick, competitive quote. We can offer a rich catalogue of fabric options or create a bespoke design for your project.
