Conservation and Archival Framing

Conservation Framing and Materials

Conservation framing is the practice of framing artwork in a way that protects it from damage and deterioration. This is especially important for valuable or fragile works of art, such as paintings, drawings, and photographs.

Conservation framers use a variety of special materials and techniques to protect artwork. Some of the most common materials include:

• Acid-free matting: Acid-free matting prevents the acids in paper and other materials from damaging the artwork.
• Archival backing boards: Archival backing boards are made from acid-free materials and are designed to protect the artwork from dust, moisture, and other environmental hazards.
• UV-protective glass: UV-protective glass blocks harmful ultraviolet rays from damaging the artwork. 
• Conservation hinges: Conservation hinges are made from acid-free materials and are designed to attach the artwork to the matting without damaging it.

Conservation framers also use a variety of techniques to protect artwork, such as:

• Distancing the artwork from the glass: This prevents the artwork from sticking to the glass and becoming damaged.
• Sealing the back of the frame: This prevents dust, moisture, and other environmental hazards from damaging the artwork.
• Using archival adhesives: Archival adhesives are made from acid-free materials and are designed to bond the matting, backing board, and artwork together without damaging it.

Conservation framing is important for preserving the value and integrity of valuable and fragile works of art. By using special materials and techniques, conservation framers can help to ensure that artwork remains in good condition for many years to come.

Benefits of Conservation Framing

There are many benefits to conservation framing, including:

• Protects artwork from damage and deterioration: Conservation framing can help to protect artwork from a variety of hazards, including dust, moisture, light, and pests.
• Preserves the value of artwork: Professionally framed artwork is more valuable than unframed artwork.
• Enhances the appearance of artwork: Conservation framing can help to enhance the appearance of artwork by making it look more polished and professional.
• Protects artwork for future generations: Conservation framing can help to ensure that artwork is preserved for future generations to enjoy.

When to Choose Conservation Framing

Conservation framing is especially important for valuable and fragile works of art, such as:

• Original paintings and drawings
• Fine art prints
• Photographs
• Historical documents
• Family heirlooms

If you have any artwork that is valuable, fragile, or sentimental, it is important to have it framed by a conservation framer.

How to Find a Conservation Framer

There are a number of ways to find a conservation framer, including:

• Asking for recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues.
• Searching online for conservation framers in your area.
• Contacting your local art museum or gallery for recommendations.

When choosing a conservation framer, be sure to ask about the materials and techniques they use to frame artwork.

Conclusion

Conservation framing is an important way to protect valuable and fragile works of art. By using special materials and techniques, conservation framers can help to ensure that artwork remains in good condition for many years to come.