Usually when it's a multi-layer cel, I just go and place mats in between for that "lift" and shadow effect. It's really cool that way. However I'm running into a problem when the multi-layer cel is actually a part of the image, aka base of head vs mouth, shadows etc... It would look weird if those layers were separated by a mat... However I absolutely do not want them to touch either because I'm afraid of cel layers sticking. Does anyone know how to remedy this situation and not with inserting a cel bag in between... Because that distorts the picture and also if you have many layers it's hard to see the little details with so much plastic separating the layers.
I hope I made sense. Anyway, please advise... Hmmm We really should make some sort of self- framing guide and just sticky it. LOL. Sadly I only know half of what I'm doing! Anyone want to point me to a more thorough guide about framing cels, I've already seen the usual ones on the net though.
I have had a similar problems and I have been told that framing flush agaisnt the glass would work well. You do need to fix the cel / background to the backing mat plate which, if done professionally can be removed (if needed) and will not be visible. I guess you would just have to make sure the glass is not in direct sunlight or near heat as the glass can retain heat and damage the cel. Yet to try it though, but in theory it sounded ok.
I have a couple of framed cels like this. One is six layers with all the eyes/mouths and one is five layers. I have them separated with spacers just like normal. I don't think there is too much trouble with odd shadows though it is true that the top layer seems to float a little. I don't think it looks too bad. They only way you would see shadows is if you are standing at an angle with your face very close to the glass.
The five layer cel has a lot a space between Chiriko's eyes and his tears.
1)face/eyes
2)spacer
3)mouth
4)spacer
5)tears
Its hard to tell from the photo since I'm bad at taking pictures, but you can see that the separation is not that obvious at normal viewing distance.
minigt - Thanks for that idea. Actually it seems like it may work but I don't think I'll try it as it would drive me crazy having a cel stick to the glass..... Thanks though.
Shampoo - First... That's a really nice cel of Shampoo! *grin* I actually have a cel framed like that in a cel bag. But right now I want to explore other choices (if there were any that I wouldn't be too sissy about. LOL)
graymouser - thanks for taking the time to take pics and showing your multi-layer cel. I guess I will have them try a spacer and just see if it doesn't bother me. I'm so nit picky at times.
I have a few multi layered cels with backgrounds framed. I took the cels out of the bags. I have the UV protective glass but the cels do not touch the glass. Every single layer was framed with an archival spacer. It's a special kind of spacer that framing companies use for fragile artwork. Each corner of every layer has one. Nothing is touching anything else inside the frame because of the spacers. All the layers are separate as well as the background and the glass. (I hope that all made sense.)
Here's a couple of examples. Forgive the bad photos.
Although, I will have to say if I had to do it all again, I wouldn't frame any of my cels. They are still very sensitive to light even with the UV special glass and I have no where I can hang them. Too much sunlight in my house.
Thanks duotrouble for recommending frame spacers, although I can't really imagine how they are used without the cel touching anything... Lovely pictures too.
