can i frame my cel?

[hgeek23]

I purchased a bainbridge archival framing kit which includes UV glass and acid free matte and backingboard. I also have acid free If I wer sure the sure the cel with with a photo corners against the acid free backing board,
Would the paint stick to the back of the board after a while? If so, what
is the method I should use to frame the cel? Also, can it come into direct contact with the glass?

[ladydouji]

This is the method I used when I framed some of my cels http://users.animanga.com/kallred/FrameIt.html

[jcaliff]

I can't see the previous reply (blocked from work) but I recommend floating the cel if you're going to frame it. That means you need two mats, the front one can be cut with a slightly larger window than the other for a nice aesthetic effect, and you mount the edges of the cel sandwiched between the two mats. This prevents the paint and lines on the cel from touching either the backing or the glass. Of course, you want everything archival/acid-free.

[hgeek23]

Thanks for the help. i framed 2 images. links here:
http://imageshack.us/g/705/forwebdomon1.jpg/

[sensei]

They look good. It might be a good idea to put a dark cloth over the glass when they're not being viewed to avoid any possibility of light damage. Then take it off when you invite your friends in to admire them. (Or just want to gloat privately.)

[hgeek23]

Thanks sensei but these have already some line fade and they're staying permanently visible, one in my room the other in my brothers (my best bud--i give him the best of everything I get)

[sensei]

Still wouldn't hurt to put a hand towel over the front and tuck it over the top. The light that hits it when you're looking at them isn't the problem, it's the light that comes in when the room is empty or when you're asleep.

[hgeek23]

Even with archival glass?

[sensei]

The chemistry of cels is still somewhat unclear, but, yes, I had a framed cel fade visibly and badly under UV-resistant glass. I think the issue is not the nature of the light hitting the cel (though UV-resistant glass is obviously better than ordinary) but the chemical interaction that takes place between the trace line and the plastic of the cel. Whatever goes on, it's speeded up by several factors, including the composition of certain cel paints, warmth, humidity, and (at least in some cases) exposure to ambient light. In other words, the light may not be fading the trace lines, but it might serve as a trigger or catalyst for whatever process does fade them.

That said, there are several collectors on this forum who have successfully framed cels and displayed them without harm. I should shut up and let them have their say. Probably vintage cels with hand-traced lines (as with Disney prior to the 1960s) are easier to preserve than relatively recent ones.

[star-phoenix]

Interesting idea on draping the frames with a dark cloth. All my cels that are on display are in a dimly lit room away from any sunlight (in an air conditioned environment). I have not noticed any distinctive line fading. But, then again, have not been around most of my animation cels during the past few years while "touring" the country. But, I will definitely check out that theory in a month when I inspect my early Anime cels I had framed about 12 years ago (I took photos of the cels about 10 years ago). I will post the 10 years later framed cel when I get the chance, and we can check out how fast they deteriorated or if they have any noticeable deterioration.

[hgeek23]

Wat are you touring for? Come to Boston I'd love to meet a fellow collector.

[star-phoenix]

LOL! I'd love to go meet you! We may be going to Boston in a month.

[hgeek23]

who are "we"?

[star-phoenix]

who are "we"?

Me + Hubby! He wants to visit Boston. I want DC. So, we ended up with a compromise and plan to do both!

[graymouser]

The chemistry of cels is still somewhat unclear, but, yes, I had a framed cel fade visibly and badly under UV-resistant glass. I think the issue is not the nature of the light hitting the cel (though UV-resistant glass is obviously better than ordinary) but the chemical interaction that takes place between the trace line and the plastic of the cel. Whatever goes on, it's speeded up by several factors, including the composition of certain cel paints, warmth, humidity, and (at least in some cases) exposure to ambient light. In other words, the light may not be fading the trace lines, but it might serve as a trigger or catalyst for whatever process does fade them.

That said, there are several collectors on this forum who have successfully framed cels and displayed them without harm. I should shut up and let them have their say. Probably vintage cels with hand-traced lines (as with Disney prior to the 1960s) are easier to preserve than relatively recent ones.

I guess I am one of those people that have have very few problems with framing. I have several cels that have been framed for years (7+) without any noticeable line fading. The only 2 that have faded are from the same series which has a reputation for fading. Cels hanging next to them have not faded. I suspect that this means it has more to do with the chemistry of the particular paints used for the show than exposure light. They all have UV plastic (not glass) and are only exposed to dimmer indirect light. I have always wondered why some people have so much trouble with line fading in framed cels when I don't. I am assuming most people who frame are taking the same precautions I am. I think a big part of it may be the humidity that sensei mentions. I live inland in Southern California where it is pretty arid. Maybe my results would be a lot worse if I lived elsewhere.

FYI: Hand painted lines continued into the early 1980s for cels made in Japan. The lines of Last Unicorn cels are hand painted, and it was made in 1982. None of my LU are framed so I do not know how they would compare. I suspect sensei is right in that the lines are likely to be hardier.