Custom Framing » Conservation Framing

The damaging effect of sunlight, artificial lights, paper degradation, and humidity can cause serious deterioration to your art, photograph, print, or document.  To lessen or eliminate these damaging effects, the materials used in framing that directly contact your art are of the greatest importance.  Using non-archival (acidic) or inappropriate materials to adhere or support artwork can result in unnecessary damage and possibly decrease the artwork’s monetary value.  Conservation framing involves experts applying specialized knowledge, techniques, and materials to guarantee that the artwork can be removed from the frame in the future without showing evidence of having been framed, thereby preserving its long-term value.   The three most important elements of conservation framing are the matboard, the glazing (glass), and the backing material.

Mat Boards
The purpose of mat board is both protective and cosmetic.  Museum (conservation) quality mat boards are 100% cotton and completely acid and lignin-free.  They are available in a variety of widths and colors and are designed to protect and preserve your artwork.  Museum quality mat boards are not only acid-free but are designed to absorb acid from the art as well as the environment.  

Backing Material    
In conservation framing, artwork is backed using acid-free foam board which contains no wood pulp or lignin.  Artwork should be hinged, or attached, using a reversible method so that the artwork can be removed from the frame if needed and will remain in its original condition.