Preserving some artwork on Plywood

[Optimark]

Recently we had a visit from someone who received (won I think) some street art that was done in front of an audience on a piece of birch plywood; as a matter of interest, the plywood came from Russia.

It isn't that big, about 1m wide by about 600mm deep by about 15mm thick. One side is original with just the markings from the manufacturer, the other side has been spray painted with various spray cans by a street artist; someone who does graffiti

They wish to hang it outside and came to me for advice...

I've wondered about this for the last few days, did some searching on the net, but am sort of stumped as virtually everything I have found, talks about clear varnish/lacquer stuff for unstained material, or previously oiled and/or stained material.

Any ideas?

Mick.

[cava]

Framed with a glass panel to protect it from the elements perhaps?

[Optimark]

That has already been thought of, but it degrades the viewing experience, not to mention the weight factor.

Mick.

[Robson Valley]

Artwork spray painted with rattle-cans is sitting on the surface of the wood. Not brushed in to any degree.
That tells me that any finish has to be sprayed on. Brushwork will scrub and lift/smear the original art.

You won't find much to protect it from the "elements" that's truly transparent and UV protective at the same time.
Noble idea to show it outdoors but sunlight will bleach (aka sun burn) the image in no time.

I suggest that you talk to Ubeaut (forum owner?) for knowledgeable advice.

[pictureman]

As a pictureframer I can only agree wholeheartly with Robson's comment there will be virtually nothing that will withstand the outdoors when it comes to artworks on ply (sprayart).

[Optimark]

Right then, seems things will be a bit difficult for them to get some kind of preservation without enclosing it in glass; UV blocked of course.

Many thanks for all who replied. Whatever happens, if I'm involved, I'll let you all know.

Mick.

[Simplicity]

Could it be vacuumed sealed
Mick

Cheers Matt

[Optimark]

Interesting thought.

After some mulling, I think not. The sharp edges will probably put pressure on the plastic, then there is UV yellowing, not to mention outright degradation; regardless of what happens in a landfill site, plastic does degrade reasonably quickly...

Certainly something out of left field though.

Mick.

[pictureman]

there is museum grade acrylic that is so much better than the UV glass.

[Optimark]

there is museum grade acrylic that is so much better than the UV glass.

Interesting, until I saw the cost. However, it is something I didn't know existed, many thanks.

Mick.

[Cleokitty]

If the birch plywood is from Russia perhaps run it past a geiger counter before deciding to give the artwork shelter indoors. I understand that several years ago, post 1986, some shipments of plywood from Russia, possibly relabelled "Finland' were refused entry to Canada by Canadian authorities. If I remember correctly they were downwind from Chernobyl when the nuclear reactor imploded. I'd be wary of any clicking plywood.

[Optimark]

If the birch plywood is from Russia perhaps run it past a geiger counter before deciding to give the artwork shelter indoors. I understand that several years ago, post 1986, some shipments of plywood from Russia, possibly relabelled "Finland' were refused entry to Canada by Canadian authorities. If I remember correctly they were downwind from Chernobyl when the nuclear reactor imploded. I'd be wary of any clicking plywood.

I'll just pull my geiger counter from under the bench and give it a check... I don't have a geiger counter, so I don't think that will happen quickly, but it could be a valid point.

Interesting thought, I'll relay this onto her. She is Russian, so I presume she may know a lot more about where it came from.

Mick.

[ubeaut]

Sorry for the delayed response, missed this one originally.

Probably a bit late now, but for mine, I'd leave it alone. Without knowing what paints were used almost any clear finish applied (weather sprayed or brushed on) could could end up wither crazing the paint or making it wrinkle and possibly delaminate from the timber surface.

Tell them to enjoy it for what it is and for as long as it lasts. Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from extreme weather and get it checked for radiation. I'm sure there must be somewhere on Melb where it can be checked for radiation. Not a joke.

Cheers - Neil

[rustynail]

Many years ago, I made a replacement table top for a beautiful wrought iron framed dining table for an old couple. Upon removing the old top I found some "art work" that had been undertaken by a toddler somewhere along the line. I mentioned this to the clients and there was a hushed silence, then they told me it was done by their two year old son who had been killed in a grader accident when he was twenty one, some forty years back. I offered to preserve the sketch, but was assured it wasn't necessary....The hushed silence had told me different. I cut out the piece and inlayed it into the underside of the new top. I made no attempt to coat it with any sort of finish as it had stood up well for at least sixty years and I figured, like Neil, any tampering could damage it.

[Cleokitty]

Lovely story, rustynail. I hope they have found it and appreciate it.