ACRYLIC BOX FRAMES

Our acrylic box frames designed to be wall mounted and complement our gallery framing services. Suitable for use with a wide range of media, chosen for practical purposes or as an aesthetic choice. Along with a range of corresponding bases, acrylic boxes are precision fabricated in-house on a CNC equipment enabling us to provide unparalleled versatility, consistency of quality and accurate dimensions.

This process has enabled us to develop a unique presentation ecosystem and a number of innovations unique to our acrylic box frames.

THe ACRYLIC BOXES

The acrylic boxes are fabricated from 4.5mm Clear Cast Acrylic - chosen for clarity, strength and longevity. All dimensions, including height, width, depth, tolerance and screw hole positions are entered into our CAD software. The holes, and outer edges are CNC cut with the front edges being grooved. These grooves enable us to carefully heat bend the front edges which provides for a clean subtle fabricated look with a minimal use of adhesive along the rear edges.

Box frames can be readily fabricated in depths up to 300mm although commonly specified depths are between 40-80mm.

BASES

Bases are made from a selection of materials provide the surface to which the artwork is attached as well as providing a support structure for the attachment the of acrylic box and hanging hardware. Bases are generally chosen for their suitability for the work to be framed as well as their archival and aesthetic characteristics.

FABRICATED ALUMINIUM COMPOSITE BASES

These CNC fabricated bases are unique to our acrylic box frames. They offer a seamless solution and are CAD designed in parallel with our acrylic boxes ensuring and exact fit with perfectly aligned screw holes. Bases are typically 25mm in depth but can be specified deeper.

As our flagship bases they offer many features and benefits:

• Fabricated from Aluminium Composite Panel ( DIBOND ) they offer a lightweight yet rigid base that is archivally sound.

• Available as standard in a matte white baked finish. Other factory finishes available.

• Bases can be painted in an inert finish that replicates the look of a museum mount or custom finished in any desired colour.

• They readily take many adhesives and can be cut and drilled easily to accomodate a wide range of mounting hardware.

• Smaller and Medium sizes can be installed flush to the wall directly from the rear of the base. Split Batton, D-Ring and Security Hangers can also be easily installed.

• Minimalist threaded inserts are installed in the screw holes to enable the acrylic box to be secured and removed when needed.

FABRICATED TIMBER VENEER BASES

Also CNC fabricated, these bases are made from hardwood veneered MDF panels. The panels are grooved on the CNC and assembled to give the fronts and sides a consistent flowing veneer. These are suitable where the desired timber look is required, often for the presentation of objects and memorabilia. The bases can be stained and finished in the same way as our hardwood frames.

TIMBER FRAMES AS BASES

Acrylic boxes are also often paired with a standard L shape floating frame profile, similar to those often used for works on canvas, board and DIBOND. As these are essentially standard fine art frames - a wide range of timbers and finishes are available. These are a great way to safely encase a stretched canvas or work on board in an acrylic box. They are also a good solution for protecting mounted photographic works that have been exhibited unglazed when taken into a collection.

CLEAR ACRYLIC BASES

We are often asked to produce acrylic box frames that have a clear acrylic base which furthers the idea of a frameless design. These can be made in one of two ways both of which are attached with visible screws that form part of the overall aesthetic of this design. These are also CNC produced ensuring consistency between the base and box.

• Fabricated Acrylic Bases are essentially a second slightly smaller acrylic box in the same thickness material that is nested together along with the main box.

• Acrylic Panel Bases made from 10mm thick acrylic can also be used providing for a visually cleaner look at the expense of a heaver weight.

Both styles need careful consideration as to the placement and choice of hanging hardware as it needs to be placed hidden from view.

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WORKS ON PAPER

Our fabricated aluminium composite bases can be coated with an archival shellac based matte finish that emulates the look of a cotton backing whilst maintaining strength and versatility. Bases can be painted to match our range of museum boards.

Works on paper are hinged to an archival pedatal substrate which is then adhered to the base. The depth of the pedestal substrate gives the work a nice subtle and even floating look. This presentation is especially suitable for works on paper with deckled, dimensional or irregular shapes and edges where the frameless look gives the work spacious and free display.

PHOTOGRAPHIC WORK

Photographic works lend themselves particularly well to display in acrylic box frames. There are two distinct types of presentation of photographic work in acrylic boxes.

Prints can be dry mounted in a float style with a similar look to that of a work on paper. The thickness of the drymounting substrate gives an interesting dimensional visual to the work.

DIBOND mounted prints can be framed in a full bleed configuration on a specially fabricated aluminium base. These bases have a large opening cut out - serving a number of design considerations as follows.

• DIBOND panels can be adhered to the base with the careful placement of a polymer adhesive along the edge, this can be safely accessed from the rear of the base enabling the future removal of the panel from the base should this be required.

• The removal of a large section of material from the base greatly reduces the overall weight of the frame. The attachment of the DIBOND artwork ensures this is done whilst not weakening the structure.

• DIBOND mounted prints that have been previously exhibited with existing subframes can be accommodated by sizing the cutout to embed the subframe within the base. This is a great solution for collectors and institutions where frameless DIBOND prints have been purchased and need to be protected without altering the frames intent of the artist.

In both instances bases can be painted in White, Black or a range of colours to compliment the work.

OBJECTS / dimensional artworks

The display and presentation of objects, dimensional artworks and cultural heritage items have always been one of the more common use of acrylic box frames. The versatility of the acrylic box to easily and unobtrusively accomodate various depths makes it a desirable choice for this application.

Our fabricated aluminium bases can be painted in any colour or finish which is an important consideration for a well presented object. The bases are strong enabling a wide range of objects to be displayed and are compatible with a wide range of adhesives and be easily cut and drilled to accept any form of mounting hardware. Timber veneer bases are also a suitable option where it compliments the design.

ARTEN can fabricate custom acrylic and aluminium object mounts compatible with out bases. Where appropriate we also utilise 3D printed components.

PAINTINGS

Paintings on canvas and panels can benefit from the protection of an acrylic box. This is a common request from clients who wish to display an important or fragile work in a public or high traffic location. Framing these works in a conventional manner often looks strange and at odds with the work, where an acrylic box can provide protection whilst keeping the original aesthetic intention. Existing or new floating style frames can be incorporated within the acrylic box. Once complete the works can be safely displayed without risk of physical damage.