FAQs
What is Preservation Framing?
Preservation framing (or conservation framing) is the method we use to surround your artwork in a completely acid-free environment. Only the highest quality mats, mounting boards, and framing techniques are used to shield your valuable and sentimental artwork from the effects of acid degradation and harmful UV light. Our methods allow you to remove the artwork from the frame at a later date, unharmed and unaltered, preserving its value for years to come. In addition to preservation framing, we also offer museum framing – the highest form of protective framing available. Your design consultant will help you decide which method is right for your artwork.
What are Mounting and Dry-Mounting?
Mounting is the method used to hold art in place with the frame. We use three primary types of mounting:
Permanent Mounting – This method is not reversible. Only artwork of little value such as open edition prints and posters should be permanently mounted, as this will jeopardize the value of the artwork.
Semi-Permanent Mounting – With this method, artwork can be removed later using heat. Although not recommended for expensive artwork, we suggest it to be used on moderately priced open, original and limited edition prints. Both permanent and semi-permanent mounting are used to flatten the artwork, removing small wrinkles and creases.
Hinging – Artwork is attached to either a backing board or mat using small pieces of acid-free tape or other hinging material. Hinges should be made from and acid-free self adhesive. Hinged artwork is less likely to cockle, or ripple, with changes in humidity.
Dry Mounting flattens and attaches artwork to a backing board. The process is primarily aesthetic, removing small wrinkles and creases as well as reducing the ongoing effects of cockling. Dry mounting can be either permanent or semi-permanent. Several methods and products are available, but no wet materials, such as glue, are used. We use a vacuum press, in which the artwork with backing board and adhesive are heated while the vacuum removes residual air, creating a bond between the art and backing board.
What should not be Dry-Mounted?
Artwork of value to you, whether monetary or sentimental, should not be permanently dry mounted. Also, artwork susceptible to melting should never by dry mounted. Valuable art may sometimes be semi-permanently mounted, but this should be discussed with your design consultant.
What kind of Mat should I use?
A mat is a border, usually made from mat board, placed around the artwork. It serves several purposes:
A mat serves to space or separates the artwork and frame or glass. If the glass comes into contact with the art, over time there can be damage in the form of mold or the artwork could adhere to the underside of the glass.
The mat, particularly its color, draws the eye into the picture. By carefully choosing the colors in the mats, we can accentuate the colors in the art.
The mat hides the mechanics of the framed piece. For example, the mat covers the mounting method used such as a hinge or dry mount.
Mats should be preservation or museum grade to provide your artwork with the highest level of protection.
Mats come in a variety of colors and textures, which allow your design consultant to select mats that are just right for your artwork. Standard mats are 32×20 inches, but some colors are available in an oversized 40×60 inches. A mat is usually 4 ply, which is about 2mm. Some mats are also made in a limited color range of 6, 8 and 12 ply thicknesses. Thicker mats can create a dramatic presentation, directing the viewer’s eye in the art.
What is Artwork Glazing?
Glazing is a protective coating applied to clear glass or acrylic used in framing that can be invisible to the human eye, but invaluable to glass and acrylic. Your design consultant will help you choose the best glazing options for your artwork.
Why protect artwork from UV light?
Ultraviolet (UV) light is one of the greatest sources of damage to artwork. Regular glass and acrylic provide only limited UV protection for your artwork. To help protect your art, we offer a full line of UV reflective glazing. A thin film is placed over the surface of the glass providing up to 97% protection from harmful UV rays. Select a conservation series glazing for your art and avoid hanging it in direct sunlight or under any ultraviolet source, and you can feel confident that your framed piece will last for years to come.
Why is the back of the frame sealed?
Sealing the back of the frame serves two functions. First, it provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance concealing the attachment of the artwork into the frame. Second, it provides protection from insects and dust. Insects lay their eggs inside frames, because cellulose in the paper provides a food source for their young. There are tow acceptable methods of sealing the back of the frame. The most common method is using kraft paper. Available in both brown and black, this heavy paper can withstand many years of use. It is attached to the frame using double-sides tape. The second method is taping which is predominantly used in Europe. This method uses tow-inch wide points. While this method can work well, it allows the viewer to see the backing board and may detach after time. Metal frames, because of their channel construction, are not back.