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green(at)apartmenttherapy(dot)com) Galen asks:
Is one way to hang a picture or a mirror in a frame any more "green" than another?
This one gave us pause -- but upon reflection, we think yes, there are some things you can do that make a difference.
It depends on what you're framing. First, we'd ask if you need a frame in the first place: if you're hanging a mass-produced print or poster, Jorgen Møller's poster hanger, shown above, is a simple, good looking solution. It's mostly aluminum, which means it can easily be recycled, and it uses a lot less material than a typical frame or dry mount.
If you really need a frame, here's our advice:
- We'd go for glass instead of plastic; the polycarbonate used in high-quality picture frames is one of the more toxic plastics to produce. Also, plastic has a natural static charge, which means it attracts dust. Glass stays cleaner and won't scratch easily.
- For material, check out lightweight, minimally finished metal or solid wood frames. We'd also forgo anything with a metallic finish -- as a rule, those pigments tend to be less toxic. If you're concerned about indoor air quality, then also avoid frames made of engineered wood or chipboard.
- Avoid dry mounting. There's volatile adhesive and lacquer involved.
- If you're planning to use a matte in your frame, inquire at the frame shop if there are recycled-content options available, but make sure that the material is archival quality. There's no sense in ruining a fine photograph or work of art.
I disagree with the aluminum option. Yeah, you could purchase it, but there are many other options that you could purchase that would be "easily" recyclable. It is kind of pointless personally if it is not already recycled. I agree with the matting. While most mats that you find will not actually say "recycled", it is a fact that if you buy archival and specifically a 100% rag cotton mat, that the rag cotton is reused from everything from old towels to tshirts. Cotton is one of the easiest materials to recycle, and not many people know that. It also makes the best paperboard to store things in because it is free of lignin, a naturally occuring acid in wood that is originally the "glue" that holds the cell structures together. A calcium carbonate buffered mat is ok too, but you should ask your local frame shop to explain it. In all honesty, a well done mat can make the cheapest peice of artwork look like an expensive piece. It just show that you really care about the piece. Glass is a must, and a frame, stay away from anything that has relief details, because those are usually made by injecting plastic around the wood. Most frames, if it is not metal is wood. If you want to do something cool... try finding an old picture frame at a resale shop or in the trash that is large than you want, and cutting it down to size, just make sure all of your angles are 45 degrees.
view mozmun20's profile
My mom is a framer, and here are her comments:
Plexi, although not a glazing material of my choice, is necessary when the picture is larger than 40x60 because glass at that size is very heavy and if it falls off the wall it will keep the piece from shattering. Also, plexi is needed in a commercial high traffic setting so that if it breaks it won't cut anyone. plexi also comes in uv and abrasion resistant.
view akrua's profile
For the mass-produced poster, why buy aluminum? Get 4 narrow wood slats 2 inches wider than the print. Paint or dye them (with appropriately green products, of course) in the colour of your choice, Glue (same caveat as above) 2 slats at the top of the print, 2 at the bottom, facing each other. You chose the hanging method, which can be as simple as a nail and a piece of string.
view Alienor's profile
Hi, I wrote about some green framing options on my site
fototiller a while back:
There is also this green-friendly framer service, green house framers.
view karinab's profile
Oops, forgot to mention that you can search fototiller for earth-friendlier album/frame options by clicking on the green tag.
view karinab's profile
gives me some possible DIY ideas, thx
view Lizzykewl's profile