Conservation Framing

At the Gallery, we specialize in Conservation Quality Framing.  Conservation framing, simply stated, means that we make every effort to makes sure that all the materials and techniques used in your project are:

  • Non-invasive
  • Preservation Oriented
  • ph Neutral according to industry standards
  • Fade Resistant

matsMatting: We have removed the regular paper mats from our selections at the design center in favor of Conservation quality matting that meets Library of Congress and the Fine Art Trade Guild’s standards for preservation. Visit our matting page for more information on our featured matboard suppliers

museum hingeMounting: It is important to use the least invasive mounting techniques needed to secure the art or object in the frame. While posters and some photographs can be dry-mounted, most artwork requires an acid-neutral mounting board and hinges or archival corners.

Fabric/Other Specialty Framing: From embroidery to original canvas artwork, we want to insure that your art is properly framed and preserved with the right materials and techniques. This same care goes into the framing of any heirloom objects, military collages or sports memorabilia.  We have framed thousands of items in these categories and keep up with the latest recommended methods for each.

Conservation Terms:

Non-Invasive: Framing of quality artwork requires knowledge of care and preservation.  This knowledge is gained from studying the industry standards but mostly from years of experience in the framing business.  When we use the term non-invasive framing, we are describing mounting, matting and framing methods that are reversible, non-damaging and preservation oriented.

We attempt, in our framing methods, to maintain the original condition and integrity of the artwork being framed.  Although exceptions exist, such as in the case of open edition posters and items that require alteration or repair, most framing should be accomplished with:

    • Conservation matting
    • Quality acid-free backing
    • Museum Hinges or Archival corners
  • U/V resistant Glass or other protective glazing.
  • Preservation Oriented:  Simply stated, everything we include in your framing project needs to contribute to the lifespan of your finished work. Quality framing is an investment but great design is only the beginning of the process. Using non-invasive techniques appropriate to each specific art type, conservation quality materials and u/v protective products, we insure that your artwork be preserved for years to come.

In order to maintain the highest standards, we do not allow the following:

  • Cardboard backing
  • Non-archival tapes or adhesives
  • Regular paper matting
  • Thin, flexible acrylic sheets for glazing
  • Plastic or polystyrene frames

And in most cases, we recommend:

  • Use of a mat or spacer in each project
  • No trimming of artwork unless absolutely necessary
  • Use of a U.V filtering glass or other conservation glazing

Ph Neutral:Buffered pH Neutral vs Acid Free vs Conservation Acid Free The term “Buffered pH Neutral” and “Acid Free” are often used inter-changebly. They mean the same thing. Buffering = the process of treating naturally acidic paper. pH = acid. Neutral = without/removed. So a Buffered pH Neutral mat is a mat that has been Treated to Remove the Acid. These mats are “acid free”. That does not mean they are ‘Conservation Grade Acid Free’.

Conservation mats are treated to remove the acid from paper and another harmful component called Lignin. By removing both the acidic properties and lignin from the mats, they now meet the standards for being a Conservation Grade, Acid Free mat. Conservation Mats are acid free & lignin free and have a protective lifespan of 50+ years. Matboard in our design center must meet these guidelines in order to be included in our offerings.

Fade Resistant: Quality matting is an investment that is worth preserving.  In the case of most regular paper mats, they are created with colored paper sheets that are not resistant to fading or bleeding. The mat surface colors are also affected greatly by the acid in the core of the mats and this contributes greatly to the color change in the matting over time. To reduce color fade and bleed, conservation mat are created using pigments for surface paper coloration.

The pigments are specified to meet or exceed the fade and bleed test requirements outlined by the Fine Art Trade Guild standards. As mentioned before, one of the best indicators of quality is that the board meets ISO 18902—Imaging materials—Processed imaging materials—Albums, framing and storage materials. In addition to passing the PAT, that standard requires that all paper and paperboard materials have a pH between 7.0 and 9.5, be buffered with at least 2% calcium carbonate, and be lignin-free. None of the above requirements, on its own, implies sufficient preservation quality; some “acid-free” products may still fade or yellow a photo. Colored papers and boards should be bleed- and fade-resistant as well

 

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