Artwork Mounting Removal

I shipped a large artwork (85'' long; 65'' high) to NYC and unfortunately doesn't fit up the stairs to my apartment. The artwork print is face-mounted to a quarter-inch piece of acrylic/plexi-glass, with an aluminum french cleat mounting back frame that is adhered to the back of it. Long story short, I have come to conclusion I am happy to cut the artwork up into three pieces and hang it as a three-piece triptych in order for it to fit. However, having serious issues finding somewhere in NYC that provide all three portions of the task: (i) remove aluminum mounting system, (ii) cut acrylic into three and sand down edges, (iii) remount each artwork with wood/aluminum. Most businesses are happy to do 2 & 3, but refuse to do 1 as they don't want to damage the artwork or don't have the capability to remove the aluminum hanging system. Want to see if I can remove the mount myself to make it easier (and significantly cheaper) for a service provider, but struggling to figure out how as the mount is glued all the way around the entire rectangular mount (can't figure out the material, whether epoxy, or some sort of glue). Only things I can think of are to try and heat it (which may morph the plexi and/or ruin the artwork if done wrong), or to get something like a japanese handsaw and meticulously cut through the entire gluing (which seems very laborious and difficult with the set-up/skillset I have i.e. nothing) Any advice on how to fix? submitted by /u/ArtNovice101010 [link] [comments]

Apr 27, 2025 - 01:49

I shipped a large artwork (85'' long; 65'' high) to NYC and unfortunately doesn't fit up the stairs to my apartment. The artwork print is face-mounted to a quarter-inch piece of acrylic/plexi-glass, with an aluminum french cleat mounting back frame that is adhered to the back of it. Long story short, I have come to conclusion I am happy to cut the artwork up into three pieces and hang it as a three-piece triptych in order for it to fit.

However, having serious issues finding somewhere in NYC that provide all three portions of the task: (i) remove aluminum mounting system, (ii) cut acrylic into three and sand down edges, (iii) remount each artwork with wood/aluminum. Most businesses are happy to do 2 & 3, but refuse to do 1 as they don't want to damage the artwork or don't have the capability to remove the aluminum hanging system.

Want to see if I can remove the mount myself to make it easier (and significantly cheaper) for a service provider, but struggling to figure out how as the mount is glued all the way around the entire rectangular mount (can't figure out the material, whether epoxy, or some sort of glue). Only things I can think of are to try and heat it (which may morph the plexi and/or ruin the artwork if done wrong), or to get something like a japanese handsaw and meticulously cut through the entire gluing (which seems very laborious and difficult with the set-up/skillset I have i.e. nothing)

Any advice on how to fix?

submitted by /u/ArtNovice101010
[link] [comments]