How to cut and clean Acrylic from the Outstanding New Book: The Complete Photo Guide to Framing & Displaying Artwork

I've got a sneak peek into the soon to be released (May 2009):

The Complete Photo Guide to Framing and Displaying Artwork
By
Vivian Carli Kistler

Step-by-step color photos for all areas of matting and framing; the information is complete, accurate, and up-to-date. The Complete Photo Guide to Framing and Displaying Artwork includes top-notch instructions for archival framing—the correct methods and materials for preserving photos and artwork for posterity. The author also provides inspiration and helpful examples to show people how to display their artwork using basic design principles in a manner that is easily grasped. There are important techniques to follow for success—even the basic mechanics of hanging a picture.

Vivian Carli Kistler (Akron, OH) is a leading picture framing expert and in worldwide demand. She owned and operated a large retail gallery and frame shop for over twenty years. Vivian is the author of numerous books and videos, including the seven volume Library of Professional Picture Framing. Her monthly articles appear in Art World News, Picture Framing Magazine and Profile magazine.

 

Click on the image to enlarge and read all the details on how to clean Acrylic and how to Repair scratches in Acrylic.

Click on the image to enlarge and read how to cut Acrylic.

This is a bit similar to cutting glass but the tool is very different. I have done a lot of glass cutting but any time I needed to cut Acrylic I always just roughed it and use one of my power saws, so I am just tickled to learn the right way and it looks so simple and easy to cut Acrylic this way.

On to today's question,

How do you protect your art?

Do you frame it yourself with off the rack stuff or make your own?

and bonus question,

Do you know how to cut Acrylic?

And as we continue with our free book a week, leave an answer and you'll be entered to win one!

Comments

[Janet]

I like to offer various price points to perspective buyers. For smaller pieces, I've cut my own mattes and put into clear plastic sleeves. For large pieces, I've cut the mattes and purchased the glass and frames. For some series, I had them framed professionally so they'd all come out the same.

The only time I've cut acrylic was with a power saw. I didn't even know there was a cutting tool. Looks like a better method.

[julie m]

I usually just coat the 3D stuff with polyurethane or something similar. If it needs a frame I get a cheap one and alter it. I did my first acrylic cutting last week. I made 3 cuts---two were straight and the third was just a little bit off. Will be okay for a book cover though.

[Tamara]

If I'm making something as a gift, I'll have it professionally framed. I'll do the same if I've made something that's heirloom quality. Otherwise, I usually doctor up a dollar store frame and make it part of the piece itself.

And I have no idea how to cut acrylic. Heck, I don't even know where to buy it! LOL!

[Katina]

Some of my art is protected with sealers, glass, etc... and some is not (art quilts).

I have not tried making my own frames yet so I purchase ready made frames and then cut mats to fit the object I am wanting to frame. I also "frame" some stuff unconventionally with fabric or other materials.

I have only cut one piece of acrylic, and it actually worked to my amazement!!

[Ellen, aka Singtatter]

I usually keep my laces and cards with acid-free papers in acid-free protectors. I hardly frame them up, saved for only 1 piece (a tatted camel), which I usef a bought 3D wooden picture frame, and I used acid-free cards for the background.

I know the "theory" how to cut acrylic, though I have not cut any so far!