CUSTOM FRAMING

 

‘Museum standard conservation Framing’ is a term which refers to both the technique and materials used in custom framing original artwork on paper for its maximum protection and preservation. Whether the art is of monetary, investment or sentimental value, conservation framing is a necessary, not frivolous investment, if you wish to enjoy it year after year.

Matting and mounting are the two most important elements in conservation framing. The purpose of matting is twofold.

 

First, to protect the picture and second, to enhance its aesthetic qualities. If framed in contact with ordinary (wood-pulp) matting board, paper art will eventually become stained with the acids present in the board. Only the acid range will cause paper deterioration. Traditional “neutral” paper products will drift to the acid range by absorbing acids in the atmosphere. The most stable paper products are alkaline pH(7.5-9.0) and buffered. Buffering neutralizes acids as fast as they are picked up.

 

One safe acid-free mat is “museum board” which is ragboard composed of high-grade cellulose, obtained from pure cotton fibres. Other acid-free mats are alphamat, made from chemically pure sulfate pulp fibre and alpharag, manufactured with an alkaline pH and buffered. Ragboards are available in a wide variety of colours and 4 thicknesses: 2-ply, 4-ply, 8-ply and 12-ply.

 

The basic window mat (see diagram) simply consists of two pieces of matboard hinged together with a strip of acid-free tape. The picture is held in position by attaching it to the backboard with either two hinges affixed to the upper edge of the reverse side of the artwork, or plastic corners which are placed to hold the artwork securely at all four corners.

 

The corners of valuable artwork should never be pasted directly on the backboard nor should they be permanently mounted flat to the board. Hinging allows the picture to “float freely” in the mat and permits the paper to expand or contract without stress, according to atmospheric conditions. As well, expensive paper artwork that has been mounted will lose some of its value as it is considered damaged.

The margins of the original art should never be trimmed. To do so may damage its aesthetic effect, destroy evidence of authenticity, and generally diminish its desirability and monetary value.

 

Pictures must never be placed directly against the glass since it easily condenses moisture and may cause mold growth. Also, it is possible that the pictures surface could stick to the glass thus seriously damaging it. “Breathing space” is essential and even if a mat is not desirable, spacers under the rabbet (inner edge) of the frame will provide the necessary protection.

Plexiglass can be used also, since it is a better thermal insulator and it will not condense moisture as easily as glass. Another advantage is that it is light in weight and unbreakable.Therefore, if pictures are either large or to be transported some distance, it may be more suitable.

Finally, to protect the picture from dust and insects, acid-free foamcore is placed behind the matted artwork, and the glass, matted artwork and acid-free foamcore are taped together to create a sealed unit which is fitted into the frame. The back is finished with a dust cover trimmed to the outside edge of the frame.

Design and technical knowledge are key areas of our custom framing expertise. Contact us regarding your requirements . We are here to help.