12. PASSE-PARTOUT

A very useful, though more or less limited and temporary method of framing a picture is by the use of passe-partout, or binding the edges with paper or cloth. It is especially well suited to small pictures and will last a considerable time if correctly applied.

In order to produce the best possible binding job, it is essential that all of the component parts be cut to exactly the same size. The backing, the mat if one is used and the glass must be carefully cut to exact measurements. Another important feature is that the tape must have just the right degree of mois­ture when it is applied. Too much will wash the glue away and too little will not permit it to adhere prop­erly. Paper tape in colors, made especially for this work, is available at any good stationer's. However, ordinary brown gummed tape is just as suitable and it can be painted easily to match any color scheme. The same applies to gummed linen tape, although the additional cost is not warranted for this work.

The successful passe-partout job calls for even­ness in the tape which shows on the front of the pic­ture. This can be achieved by first pasting the tape into position and then trimming it off evenly later. A razor blade held in the small holder illustrated will make exactly the same margins all around.

Assuming that the picture is assembled and ready for binding, first insert a ring for hanging through the backing board. Now secure any two opposite sides temporarily with scotch tape to prevent slipping. Cut a strip of the tape to be used for binding about one inch longer than the side to be bound. Moisten a piece of cloth or a small sponge in a weak glue-water solution. Wet the tape and holding it by the ends, place it along the edge, allowing about 3/8" to extend over the face. Fold down the edge over the glass and smoothing it carefully along the edges, fold the lower part over the backing. Using the trimming jig, care­fully cut along the edge and lift off the waste. Repeat with the opposite side. Remove the scotch tape and proceed to bind the two remaining sides. This type of finishing is very useful for inexpensive, small pictures used as decorative notes or for reference.

Passe-partout is also used to bind sheets of original manuscript, letters, paper printed on both sides, etc., between sheets of glass to protect them while han­dling for reference or study. Other uses will readily be found for the method.

Occasionally passe-partout can be combined with a heavy, thick, wooden mat and glass to make an attrac­tive frame. The fact that it may not last as long as a regular frame is offset by the low cost of materials and the speed with which it may be accomplished.

Passe-partout may be applied when framing antique costume, flower or bird prints with attractive results. The work is enhanced even more by using pastel-colored mats, plain or French, or by painting a black mat with a gold line directly on the inside of the glass.

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