Preservation Framing, in the purest sense, is the use of framing methods and materials approved by the U.S. Library of Congress for custom picture framing. Many framers use the term Preservation Framing interchangeably with Archival or Conservation framing.
The picture framing industry and the U.S. Library of Congress now use the term Preservation Framing, which more accurately describes what we do. Preservation framing serves the purpose of preserving and protecting artwork in as close to original condition as possible for a long period of time. For more detail, please refer to:
The U.S. Library of Congress Guide to Preservation Matting & Framing http://www.loc.gov/preservation/care/mat.html
The damaging effect of air pollution, humidity, paper degradation, sunlight, artificial lights and the acid by-products of the art’s own aging, can cause serious deterioration to art, prints, photographs and documents.
Whether your artwork or objects are sentimental family heirlooms, or have investment value, our conservation experts will use materials and techniques that will actively protect and extend the life and beauty of your possession.
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN PRESERVATION FRAMING?
Preservation framing involves experts applying specialised knowledge, materials and techniques to ensure that if the artwork is removed from the frame in the future, it will not show any evidence that it was framed, thereby preserving its long term value.
The three most important elements of Preservation Framing are the mat board, the backing material and the glass.
Gallery 360 use the most up-to-date archival preservation methods and materials for the safety of your artwork. We stay current with accepted preservation practices through continuing education, and we constantly hone our skills so that we can offer you the best possible protection for your framing project. All framing projects, no matter how simple, receive the benefit of our three decades of experience.
In consultation with our clients, we use preservation methods and materials appropriate for each framing project. Not every item requires full preservation framing but our trained team will explain the most suitable options available for your project, during the time we spend with you.
Inside each framing package is a unique preservation support system. We include the use of different preservation materials to suit each piece of art. Materials may include the following:
- Acid-free and lignin mat boards and mount boards
- Acrylic or cotton rag spacers
- Reversible hinging tapes and papers
- Japanese rice paper hinges and wheat or rice starch paste
- Conservation corner mounts & strips
- Barrier tapes, rabbet tapes, and fillet tapes
- Ultraviolet protecting glass or Acrylic
- Museum Glass or Museum Acrylic
- Acid-free backing and barrier papers
- Polyester or cotton sewing threads
- Mylar & assorted reversible object attachment
The Image Permanence Institute also publishes excellent guides to preservation framing.
https://www.imagepermanenceinstitute.org/resources/publications
For further information on how we can help you, and pricing, please click here.