Important Things To Know About Conservation Framing

Conservation framing refers to the presentation of photos, art and other type of

memorabilia to protect them with the use of methods and materials to prevent

damage. Custom framing services in NYC perform this process which makes use

of techniques which are reversible for the photograph, artwork or object to remain

unharmed if these need to be removed from their frames.

Damage to photographs, art and memorabilia can always happen without your

knowledge. UV bleaching and acidic materials are two of the common slow

processes that can lead to damage. Acid damage can make your photos and

Important Things To Know About Conservation Framing

artworks brittle, causing the white papers to turn yellow. When the paper has a

lower quality, there is a higher chance that it will discolor.

If you have seen old newspapers, you will note that they discolor quickly since

these are meant to be disposable. UV bleaching can alter the color of your photos,

artworks or other objects. The ink and dye used often bleach out at various rates

which depend on their chemical nature. For instance, there are photos that fade to

blue while others fade to red.

Effects of Improper Affordable Picture Framing on Photos and Artworks

There is simply no room for experimentation when it comes to proper framing.

Less is always more as well as time honored matting, fitting and mounting

techniques, together with the use of acid-free and archival or conservation

materials, create the foundation of a safely and carefully housed work. The use of

conservation methods and use of the right materials can evade potential damages

caused by incorrect framing and extend the piece’s lifespan.

Some of these common issues include the following:

Direct contact between art and glazing where glass can stick to the art and

lead to injury to the piece once removed.

Improper mounting which causes slippage with the art becoming

compromised.

Important Things To Know About Conservation Framing

Use of acidic matting materials in the housing. Framing materials’ acid can

be transferred through contact to the art which can cause brittleness and

discoloration.

Inappropriate glazing as old glass is not UV protected and light causes

discoloration on the artwork.

Improper wiring causes an art piece to fall from the wall.

Unstable fitting, framing or wiring as structural instabilities cause damage to

the art if it is transported or shipped.

Conservation Framing Basics

It doesn’t matter if you will be framing something that you got through Photoshop

at less price for cheap printing because the basics of conservation framing render

all these issues to mute. To guarantee that your pieces can last for many

generations, see to it that your framer will make use of high quality conservation

materials which will not cause any negative effect on your art pieces. These

include the following;

Fine quality of Asian hanging papers

Acid free backboards and mats

Neutral and reversible conservation adhesives

Important Things To Know About Conservation Framing

Dustcovers applied at the rear of the frame as protection from environmental

damage

Use spacers or mats to separate your artwork from the acrylic glazing or

glass