Question 1

What is preservation framing?

Accepted Answer

Preservation framing, also known as conservation framing, surrounds your artwork in a completely acid-free environment. We use only the finest quality mats, mounting boards, and framing techniques to protect your valuable and sentimental pieces from acid degradation and damaging UV light. Our approach ensures that artwork can be removed from the frame at any time without harm or alteration, maintaining its value for years. Beyond preservation framing, we provide museum framing, which offers the highest level of protective framing available. Your design consultant will assist you in determining the most appropriate method for your specific artwork.

Question 2

What are mounting and dry-mounting?

Accepted Answer

Mounting refers to the technique used to secure artwork within the frame. We utilize three main types of mounting: Permanent mounting is irreversible and should only be applied to artwork with minimal value, such as open edition prints and posters, as it will compromise the piece's value. Semi-permanent mounting allows artwork to be removed later using heat. While not advisable for expensive pieces, it is suitable for moderately priced open, original, and limited edition prints. Both permanent and semi-permanent mounting methods flatten the artwork, eliminating minor wrinkles and creases. Hinging involves attaching artwork to either a backing board or mat using small pieces of acid-free tape or other hinging materials. Hinges should be constructed from acid-free self-adhesive material. Hinged artwork is less prone to cockling, or rippling, when humidity levels change. Dry mounting flattens and affixes artwork to a backing board. This process is primarily aesthetic, removing small wrinkles and creases while reducing ongoing cockling effects. Dry mounting can be either permanent or semi-permanent. Multiple methods and products are available, though no wet materials like glue are employed. We utilize a vacuum press in which the artwork, backing board, and adhesive are heated while the vacuum eliminates residual air, forming a bond between the art and backing board.

Question 3

What should not be dry-mounted?

Accepted Answer

Artwork that holds value for you, whether monetary or sentimental, should not be permanently dry mounted. Additionally, artwork vulnerable to melting should never undergo dry mounting. Valuable pieces may occasionally be semi-permanently mounted, but this decision should be reviewed with your design consultant.

Question 4

What kind of mat should I use?

Accepted Answer

A mat is a border, typically constructed from mat board, that surrounds the artwork. It fulfills several functions: The mat creates space and separation between the artwork and the frame or glass. When glass contacts the art, damage such as mold can occur over time, or the artwork may adhere to the glass underside. The mat, especially its color, guides the viewer's eye into the picture. Through careful color selection, we can enhance the colors present in the artwork. The mat conceals the mechanical elements of the framed piece, such as covering the mounting method used, whether hinging or dry mounting. Mats should be preservation or museum grade to offer your artwork the greatest level of protection. Mats are available in numerous colors and textures, enabling your design consultant to choose mats ideally suited to your artwork. Standard mats measure 3220 inches, though some colors are offered in an oversized 4060 inch format. A mat is typically 4 ply, approximately 2mm thick. Some mats are also manufactured in a limited color selection of 6, 8, and 12 ply thicknesses. Thicker mats can produce a striking presentation, directing the viewer's attention into the artwork.

Question 5

What is artwork glazing?

Accepted Answer

Glazing is a protective coating applied to clear glass or acrylic used in framing that may be invisible to the human eye but provides significant value to glass and acrylic. Your design consultant will guide you in selecting the optimal glazing options for your artwork.

Question 6

Why protect artwork from UV light?

Accepted Answer

Ultraviolet light is among the most significant sources of damage to artwork. Standard glass and acrylic offer only limited UV protection for your pieces. To help safeguard your art, we provide a complete line of UV reflective glazing. A thin film is applied to the glass surface, delivering up to 97% protection from harmful UV rays. Choose a conservation series glazing for your artwork and avoid displaying it in direct sunlight or beneath any ultraviolet source, and you can be confident that your framed piece will endure for years.

Question 7

Why is the back of the frame sealed?

Accepted Answer

Sealing the back of the frame fulfills two functions. First, it creates an aesthetically pleasing appearance by concealing how the artwork is attached within the frame. Second, it offers protection against insects and dust. Insects deposit their eggs inside frames because the cellulose in paper provides a food source for their offspring. Two acceptable methods exist for sealing the frame back. The most common approach uses kraft paper. Available in both brown and black, this heavy paper can endure many years of use and is attached to the frame using double-sided tape. The second method is taping, which is predominantly employed in Europe. This technique uses two-inch wide points. While this method can be effective, it allows the viewer to see the backing board and may detach over time. Metal frames, due to their channel construction, are not sealed on the back.

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