Instructions for using EconoSpace
Decreasing the glass/frame allowance will prevent the EconoSpace from showing under the lip of the frame.
Centering the glass in the frame with the EconoSpace or bonding to the rabbet will result in early adhesive failure.
Clean the glass with water and alcohol.
Anvil Pruners work the best to get good, clean, flush cuts.
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1. Gravity will insist that the glass (with the EconoSpace attached) will end up resting on the bottom piece of frame. If too much glass/frame allowance is used, the EconoSpace may show under the lip of the top piece of frame. Decreasing the glass/frame allowance by increasing the glass size will remedy this problem and still allow proper frame allowance for the art and backing. It's okay for the glass size to be different than the backing.
Because gravity pulls down on the top spacer every day, we recommend using EconoSpace only on smaller frames where the inherent stiffness of the EconoSpace will prevent it from sagging. On larger frames, consider using FrameSpace as it is mechanically permanent and can't sag.
2. If you use 1/8" allowance and "center" the glass with the adhesive half-on and half-off the glass, expect early adhesive failure as the weight of the glass will shear the bond. The top spacer will only be engaging half of the adhesive so it will probably not beat gravity either. Bonding to the rabbet/frame will also result in early adhesive failure because the lignin in the wood will even-tually degrade the adhesive. (This is why using Pressure Sensitive Tape to bond matboard strips to the rabbet never lasts very long). Pressure on the glass during cleaning will also shear the adhesive.
3. To ensure the best bond strength and longevity, the adhesive manufacturer (3M® Company) recommends cleaning the glass with a 50-50 mix of water and alcohol. Most household glass cleaners include waxes or polishes which will prevent a great bond.
4. EconoSpace can be cut easily with sharp Anvil Pruners (rose cutters), a razor blade or fillet cutters like shown. EconoSpace can also be chopped or cut with a fine tooth saw. Scissors, wire cutters or bypass type shears will crush the EconoSpace.
5. Either miter the EconoSpace or cut butt joints like shown to support the top piece at the ends. This will help prevent sagging at the corners when the adhesive finally gives up against gravity.
Decreasing the glass/frame allowance will prevent the EconoSpace from showing under the lip of the frame. |
