Katie H. 7/30/08

Greetings Brain Trust (I like that!),

This may help answer Jen Jackson's query on mounting textiles, but I had intended to post it anyway and it also relates to small 3D objects and unframed works on paper too.  Does anyone currently use magnets for mounting?  It is in use here at the Asian for thin textiles and paper objects, and I have seen a brief description of it used at the V&A for miniatures (where the magnets are in the back of a metal mount (http://www.vam.ac.uk/res_cons/conservation/journal/number_51/ mins_gall/index.html).

I've only just been introduced to this idea and have lots of questions: - Recommendations for high-quality magnets? (the polarity of most don't align well) - Has anybody done any testing? I'd like to measure much weight each can carry, how much slippage (or compression of the object) to expect, etc., but I don't need to reinvent the wheel if it's been done.

Any input would be welcome, Thanks

Katie H.

Asian Art Museum 200 Larkin Street San Francisco, CA 94102

Philip Brutz 7/30/08

I have thought about using magnets but I worried that they would attract iron particles that might stain the object.

Philip Brutz Mountmaker Cleveland Museum of Art 11150 East Blvd. Cleveland, OH 44106-1797 216-707-2617

attaboy 7/30/08

Folks,

we have been working with different magnets for mounting over the last 3 years. - and, boy, do i have a source for you... K&J Magnetics, Inc. - specializing neodymium - www.kjmagnetics.com 215-766-8055

be aware that the strength of these magnets can crush soft materials, however, so you should plan on testing several different sizes [also be warned that the quarte-sized magnets will pinch a piece of your hide should it come between 2 of them trying to mate].  We use volara, ethefoam or polysuede to pad them after cleaning & sealing.

Katie, magnetic mounting is still relatively new, and our R&D is [unfortunately] done on-site, so that little has been documented yet. I hope to change that in the near-future.

trebletomb 7/30/08

Hello, I have just finished installing 40 sketch panels with rare earth magnets. Looks greta and the mount is barely noticeable.The panels were also supported  with a right angle galvanized metal edge, which disappears under the shadow of the 1/8" panels. We are also about to install a large buffalo robe painting and magnets will be used on this as well. Sadly, the magnets that were previously used ( a private firm mounted the work originally) , have left a pucker in the leather. New magnet fasteners were created to spread the grip out over a larger surface. These fasteners are rare earth magnets, hidden inside a leather -looking pouch,( looks like a small cookie)  with a flat bottom of archival card stock. We have some faith in this approach but we will be keeping an eye on the sag and drift of the robe where it is fastened. Hope this helps. Brian 

Bradley Sanders

7/30/08

 Hi Katie H,

We use magnets for many textile and other appropriate functions. I like to bury rare earth magnets in the substrate and use thin sheets of sealed steel covered with a fabric (like unbleached muslin) thqat can be fauxed to match the object. This way the profile of the magnet is not visible, just a thin sheet. The Rare Earth Magnets are available at Woodworkers supply, in New Mexico (Google it). Good luck.

 Bradley Sanders   Sanders Museum Services

Suzi McG 7/30/08

Re: [mountmaking-forum] Re: magnet mounts Hi Katie,

I've had the opportunity to use magnets as well.  I used them to hold a strip of steel in place that held up a smallish textile.  Similar to what Bradley described.  I had some very small (1/4" dia.) incredibly strong magnets embedded in the back of the mdf and they did a fantastic job.  I got the magnets at a hobby shop.  It was a temporary exhibit (3 mos?) so I can't attest to any stress that may occur over a longer time, but the textile was well padded and seemed to hold up well.

Mendez 8/14/08

Take a look at Lee Valley for rare earth magnets. I've embedded the rod-style magnets in a cup-like base of brass mounts by making the cup portion with brass tubing. The object mounted was a Crow Indian feather headdress where the weight of the train behind the crown of feathers needed support. The magnets held both the fabric train and the magnetic brass mounts assisted in stabilizing individual plumes along the central row of feathers. A fabric covered sheet of steel 5" wide by 6' long was used as the train support. If there was a way to post pictures directly to these threads, I'd add one.