Urban Art Association

Hi there,

Yes, using acid-free gum tape is the way to go.

There are also other brands - lineco.com/abaca-sa-paper-hinging-tape.html - and note also there are also different type of paper (e.g. mulberry has more fibers, etc.).

Check the image, you need to place the tapes following the common T-shaped; to reduce contact size with artwork.

Beware there is a distinction between tape and paper.

a) For the tape, the stickiness is activated with water; I did a few myself using the Abaca, but I am not satisfied with it, indeed, the tape became unsticky and yellowed with time (talking about 10-15 years). I think that the downside of tapes, the stickiness doesn't last and the sticky components still reacts with tape. Will it damage the artwork? Well, tapes will definitely leaves some light marks at the back; not a big deal. Consider having several hinges (up to 10 why not) but tiny ones instead of 3 big ones.

b) For the paper, there is no glue; you need to use wheat/rice starch or methyl cellulose homemade paste to add the stickiness to the paper. This is the preferred method amongst conversation framer, as there is no chemicals at all, wheat/rice is purely natural and very sticky. Normally, this technics doesn't leave any traces.
However, you need to wet the paper to remove stickiness so artwork may get wet too, a standard iron pressing or weight pressing in a dry surrounding should remove the wetness in the paper. I haven't tried that so I have no idea if the paper last longer than tape but familiar with wheat/rice method as it is common practice when doing linenbacking.

Note both are reversible, but tape is less reversible than paper+starch. Paper+starch being purely natural, you can remove the stickiness by applying water to the paper (and thus diluting the all thing). For tape, it is another story as explained above. Will it damage the art? Well, purist will tell you that framing is damaging the art

Where to apply the tape/paper? You can apply the tape directly to the back paper or use a foam core depending your preferences. To have a better float effect, a foam core is nice, not too thick too! Also the foam core are well appreciated, aside the aesthetic, it is safe to use and it is an extra buffer/protection, well appreciated**

For the frame, many are using spacers to clearly separate the elements (especially between glass and artwork).

If the artwork is paper, then you can close the back of the frame with extra paper to protect it from bugs and pests (they love paper and starch). If artwork is an anime cel or photo print/picture (print-C) or polaroid, etc., then in the contrary you need to have opening behind to let air circulated (acetate release acidic gases that can trigger a vinegar syndrome if there is no air circulation)

Last, frames must be inspected at least once a year

** Worst nightmare in a frame (and often forgotten) is the backboard, if you go for cheap backboard, it will catch humidity with time and react with temperature change, you will get mold and the time you realise it, the all backboard will be full of mold; also, cheap backboard are full of chemicals. To cut it short, you worry about the tape, but the backboard, the buffer back paper and type of glass, allied with bad hanging place (dumpy, wet, change of temperatures like sunny in the morning and dark in afternoon, etc.) is what you should watch.

From your product description, it said, "The adhesive is permanent ," so I assume that you won't be able to remove the tape without damaging the object. I'm guessing you'd have to just cut it off the mat and leave the tape strip on the artwork. 

If experimenting on your own, it may be worth doing a deep dive.



1.  Google search "reversible hinging", combined with other potential search terms like "Washi paper" and "rice starch" or "wheat starch".



2.  For a wealth of knowledge and experience, check out the recommended forum for framers, The Grumble:

www.thegrumble.com/



3.  But for an easy life (albeit a somewhat-compromised one), there does exist pre‑made products described as reversible, like Hayaku Japanese hinging paper by Lineco.

The latter quick-and-dirty item looks straightforward and easy to use, though it apparently contains some preservatives — meaning the starch paste is not pure, which may affect the quality of the bond and its stability over time.


www.preservationequipment.com/Catalogue/Conservation-Materials/Labels-Tapes/Hayaku-Japanese-Hinging-Paper-533-0752