Tintype Experts: Okay to Frame Tintype in a Float Frame Against Glass?

<p>Hi all,</p>

<p>I recently had some tintypes made and I was curious if it would damage the tintype if I mounted them in a float frame. Here's a picture for reference: </p>

<p><a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=rm7dlg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i50.tinypic.com/rm7dlg.jpg" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br>

Just to explain, there are two plates of glass and the tintypes are compressed between the two so as not to move within the frame. The tintypes currently have plastic covers taped to the front for protection. I know that it's probably bad for there to be friction on the surface of the tintypes, but, if they're compressed tightly enough between the glass plates that they don't move, will I run the risk of damaging them? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks! </p>

 

<p>Well, there's always risks with framing artwork in contact with glass. Any condensation inside the frame could cause trouble. But since a tintype is not organic (no gelatin), and thus is waterproof, that doesn't seem like the risk it would be with film.</p>

<p>What about in regards to the friction of being pressed up to the glass?</p>

<p>Risk for friction? Yes if you are located in the eria with a lots of seimistic activity. :-)</p>

<i>"[...] But since a tintype is not organic (no gelatin), and thus is waterproof, [...]"</i><br><br>It may (probably will) corrode.<br><br>Could you not make a thin frame out of strips of glass or plexi that takes the tintype, put that between two sheets of glass? Will not look as good, but would mean one less worry.

<p>Random question related to tintypes:<br /><br />If I use magnets to mount them, they won't damage my tintypes at all, will they?</p>

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<p>Could you not make a thin frame out of strips of glass or plexi that takes the tintype, put that between two sheets of glass? Will not look as good, but would mean one less worry.</p>

 

 

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So, the tintypes already have pieces of plexi attached to the front of them to protect them. They're not attached like a frame is, they're actually a plastic sheet that is the exact same size as the tintype and are flush against the surface of the tintype (not like a frame per se). Is this what you mean? Also, would this be sufficient enough to provide protection from corrosion?

As a practicing wet plate artist; if these are real tintypes, *nothing* should be touching the front surface. No glass, no acrylic, nothing. After tintypes are dried, they're coated with a varnish--typically gum sandarac with oil of lavender. Other materials pressed up against the front of the varnish will gradually adhere over time--and not uniformly. When it's time to remove the tintypes from your frame, it will likely be impossible to remove anything from the front of the tintype without damaging the image.