Conservation Framing Q & A

The How and Why of Conservation Framing:

What is conservation framing?

Conservation framing is the use of the highest quality rag material to surround the artwork . Special techniques and procedures are used to protect the work with regards to mounting . It is a process that is always reversible, therefore the artworks integrity is never compromised from its original state .

When Should Conservation Framing Be Used?

Conservation framing is generally used for paper-based art and documents and is effective whenever protection and preservation is important. Historical documents, antique photographs and mementos can be protected using conservation framing.

What Does Conservation Framing Do?

Everything will deteriorate given time and exposure to the environment. Conservation framing is designed to minimize deterioration by the environment and to avoid contributory deterioration by the materials that surround the artwork. Some of the factors of this deterioration are:

Humidity and Temperature

Avoid humidity which can cause the paper surface to become wavy. High temperature and humidity levels can accelerate the growth of mold inside the frame. Mold formation, which occurs when humidity rises above 50% and the temptrature is 70 degrees or more, is often seen as a ghostly image on the glazing material. Mold formation cannot be totally eliminated and as a result the frame should be disassembled every 2-4 years to remove mold that has formed. Artwork should be spaced from the glazing materials to provide an air space to prevent the condensation of moisture onto the paper and allow a small air space for the inside frame atmosphere to adjust for increased levels of moisture in the air. Spacing is achieved by the use of a mat or spacer between the glazing and the artwork. Sudden changes of temperature and humidity should be avoided as heavy condensation may wet and damage the artwork. Foxing is red or brown spots that appear on the surface of the paper. While the exact cause of foxing is not totally understood, it appears to accelerate under high temperature and humidity conditions. Atmospheric pollution or dirt or dust may combine with moisture in the air to form harmful acids that will attack the artwork.

Light

The effects of light on materials can be reduced by the use of glazing that filters out harmful ultraviolet rays. Strong light, heat and humidity should be avoided. Because sunlight will fade the print, never hang it in direct sunlight or opposite a window. Using indirect incandescent lighting and or conservation glass will provide the safest conditions and offer the least amount of fading, but please keep in mind that conservation glass will only slow down the fading process, not stop it.

How Does Conservation Framing Work?

The theory behind conservation framing is to enclose the item in a non-hostile environment to give it protection from the general environment. The general components of a conservation framing job consist of the frame, the glazing, the mat or spacer, the backing and the mounting. Mats, backing, mounting and glazing must consist of 100% acid free material of conservation quality approved by the Library of Congress. Hinging should be of acid free, materials with a water based activated adhesive. Under no circumstances should pressure sensitive adhesives be used on paper as these adhesives change character over time and the adhesive is known to migrate into the paper. To retain the original state of the artwork, it should not be cut, folded or mounted or glued to backing boards. Museum grade corners can be also used. This method resembles photo corners and does not require any sort of adhesives to come in contact with the artwork.

Matting

The primary purpose of matting is to separate the artwork from the glass. Since paper expands and contracts with temperature and humidity changes, the mat allows room for that inside the frame. Mats should also enhance the beauty of the artwork. They should create, if you will a funnel for your eye to be drawn to the image first. The matting should be the secondary thing your eye finds.

Why not come in and ask us to show you these materials. Conservation framing is a small investment that protects your important items.

Handling and Care of Picture Frames

It is very important to give proper care to your fine art prints. Adhering to the following guidelines will protect your investment and insure the quality of your print in the future.

Unframed prints should be stored on a flat elevated surface. This is to prevent creasing, formation of condensation and to allow air circulation. Rag paper should be placed between prints while storing them to protect them from discoloration.

Prints that arrive in a portfolio, are presented in an acid free material and covered inside with acid free tissue to insure protection. The print itself is printed on 100% rag paper of the finest quality. As your framer, we must take care to use only rag mat board and materials when framing your print.

Cleaning Your Frame

Wood finish frames may be cleaned with a gentle wood cleaner applied to a soft cloth. Gold or silver leafed frames should be dusted with a dry soft cloth. Metal frames may be cleaned with a glass cleaner applied to a soft cloth.

Glass should be cleaned with a good quality glass cleaner. Cleaners should be applied to the cleaning cloth and NOT sprayed on the glazing as the cleaner may run down and stain the mat or the artwork. Glass may be cleaned with either cloth or paper towells but plexiglass should be cleaned only with a soft cloth and plexiglass cleaner.

The inside of the glass should be cleaned and checked at least every 2-4 years. The frame must be disassembled to accomplish this cleaning. This procedure allows the framer to also check the condition of the hinging of the artwork, mats, the tightness of the corners of the frame, etc. This procedure can be done in a short amount of time for a resonable charge.

Hanging Your Picture

All frames should be hung with the use of picture hooks (with the exception of those with sawtooth hanger). Hanging picture from a nail allows the frame to more easily shift from level and increases the danger that the frame being knocked off the wall. Ideally the frame should be hung from two hooks to distribute the weight and keep it level.

In cases of very heavy frames or when mounting frames on brick or masonry walls, the use of moly screws or masonry hangers may be recommended. Hooks are available to be used with these types of hardware also.

Where to Hang Your Frame

Picture frames are usually displayed at eye level. This is not a hard and fast rule, however, and consideration must be given to individual needs. Pictures that are planned to be hung inordinately high may require special consideration in the design of the matting to prevent an optical illusion.

Paperborne art is not recommended to be hung in high humidity location such as bathrooms. Consideration must be taken of high airborne pollution locations such as kitchens (grease, cooking pollutants).

Direct sunlight is also to be avoided due to heat and ultraviolet light exposure considerations. Although over fireplaces is a popular place to hang art, consideration must be given to the factors of heat and soot possibly contaminating or damaging the artwork. Consult your framer in these cases. He or she may be able to recommend solutions to these problems.

Grouping Your Frames

There are no hard and fast rules for grouping a collection of frames. Frame groupings are generally classed in two forms, formal and informal.

While the formal grouping may look neater and tidier, informal grouping can be used to generate more interest, provide a flow from frame to frame or just be more aesthetically pleasing.

However you hang your picture frame, remember that the pictures on your walls are generally the most predominant item that a visitor will see first. Consider your framed item as a piece of furniture. It will more than likely be around as long or longer than that couch or table. Insure that the quality and durability of your frame will stand up to the test of time.

Although your frame may seem expensive now, a quality custom picture frame will provide years of enjoyment and prove to be an economical investment.

As you can see, choosing a reputable framer is important! Proper framing procedures will help to insure the protection of your fine art print. It's amazing how the choice of different mat colors, widths and design garnishments as well as frames will affect the overall appearance of your print. Knowing and trusting your framer is essential in the longevity and appearance of your artwork. FramingSpace has gained that trust from it's customers. Knowing your framer will make a difference!