What Is Conservation Framing? Put simply, Conservation Framing employs the use of materials that have been proven to protect and maintain art in as close to its original condition as possible. When should I ask for Conservation Framing? Value is, at best, a subjective thing. If it's worth framing, it's worth protecting. How can I be sure I am getting Conservation Quality? Let your framer know that you want Conservation Framing employed on your project. Specifically, request the following: 1.Specify TruGuard UV Protection Glass. Ultraviolet light rays are one of the most dangerous elements that your artwork can encounter. It will not only cause your colors to fade to a mere shadow of their former glory, but will cause the materials themselves to begin to break down right in the frame. 2.Specify Conservation Quality Artboard. Ordinary pulp-based matboard contains acid and lignins which, over a period of timedamage the artwork they come in contact with. Conservation Quality artboard is free of all acids, lignins and other impurities found in ordinary "pulp" board. The result is an inert or pH neutral board which will cause no damage to the artwork it encases as time goes by. 3.Request a careful adherence to proper conservation techniques for mounting the artwork and sealing your artwork. The framer your patronize should be fully versed in the specifics of conservation mounting. Be sure to impress upon him or her how much the piece means to you, and demand that proper conservation standards be upheld. As a rule of thumb, if the item you are framing is an irreplaceable, one-of-a-kind photograph, document or piece of memorabilia, or if it is an original work of art or a limited edition, it should be framed using conservation techniques and materials. The cost premium for Conservation Framing is marginal- and certainly well worth it. It is important that you entrust your valuable framing projects only to just such a trained professional who cares about the conservation process, has the experience and the necessary skills and techniques, and who is committed to using high quality conservation materials throughout your entire project.	Framing Photography Some of life's most precious memories are captured in the photographs that we take:a childs first birthday, your parents' 50th wedding anniversary party,your daughter's wedding portrait. Yet, more often than not, we display these memories by simply placing the photo in a frame or sticking them on the pages of a self-adhesive album. While this treatment is appropriate for most snapshots, your truly special photos, especially those with historical merit or those that may be irreplaceable, deserve so much more. That's where your custom framer can be of assistance. Special Characteristics of Photography The very nature of photographs will dictate how they must be framed. Some photos are printed on papers which do not take well to heat-activated mounting techniques. Others, especially antique photos, are very sensitive to alkaline-based framing materials and therefore must be mounted and matted using special non-buffered boards. All photos should be framed using at least one mat of Conservation Quality artboard. This will ensure that the photo emulsion does not tough the glass. If it does, temperature and humidity changes may cause it to stick. This can potentially ruin the image. Bring Memories To Life. Photographs can really bring back the memories and feelings of a special time. Why not add an extra element to your memories by placing a treasured momento in a shadowbox presentation with the photo? For instance, aphoto of your son's high school graduation can be brought to life when paired with his mortarboard and tassel. Or your daughter's dance recital portrait will do a grande jete when framed with her ballet shoes and a program from the event. Thes are just a few examples that can help to enliven your still shots. Ask your custom framer to help you find the special touch that will bring your picture-perfect memories to life!
The effects of not using proper Conservation Framing- Faded artwork, improper placement of matting over signature and incorrect mounting techniques.	A photo memorial to a special friend and companion complete with his tags and engraved plate. His memory will last forever.
How To Properly Hang Your Artwork Protection Care should be taken to hang the piece in an area where it not become damaged by heat, ultraviolet (UV) light rays or humidity. Hang your artwork out of the line of direct sunlight. We recommend that you always ask your framer to use Conservation Glass which will filter out most of the harmful UV light rays. Never hang your valuable artwork over a heat source or in an area that will be high in humidity (such as a bathroom). Heat and humidty can cause serious damage to your art. Lighting Ther are two basic techniques available for your home: ambient "room" lighting or "spot" lighting. Domestic lighting is often preferable for the home, because it allows the work of art to blend in with rest of the room. Spotlights, on the other hand, make a piece "pop" - a nice touch for really speacial pieces. Spot lighting can be dramatic (using can lighting or light strips that affix to the wall or the frame itself) or subtle (using room lamps strategically placed to give ample direct light to the piece). When using spotlights, be careful not to create shadows by using strong lights on a deep frame. Remember to keep your wiring as "invisible" as possible. The Secret To Attractive Artwork Display . . . . Location, Location, Location Hang your artwork at eye-level of the "average" person in the room. If you are hanging the art in a room where more time is spent seated than standing, "eye-level" should be lower. Hang smaller, more detailed pieces in small spaces such as hallways and corridors, where impact is less important than content, and the art can be enjoyed up close and personal. Larger, "atmospheric" pieces require more room for the viewer to stand back and enjoy - hang these pieces opposite the entrance to a room or at the end of a cooridor. Groupings Unless you are striving for an eclectic "antique shop" look, groupings should look as though they belong together. Select frame styles that are compatible, and matting styles that will work together and create a balanced, unified look to the group as a whole. Spacing is an important element in a grouping. Each picture should be placed not too far from, nor too close to its neighbor. The most commonly recommended way to create balance in a group is to place the entire layout on the floor. This will allow you to get a sense of how the grouping will look on the wall, allow for adjustments and accurate measurements. Another way is to cut out paper patterns of each framed item and tape lightly to the wall. A lot easier to re-arrange and better than unnecessary holes being placed in the wall surface. Another tip is to align the tops or bottoms of the various pictures in the group Take care to use the proper hanging hardware for your type of wall and that will bear the weight of the framed piece.