Helpful Custom Framing Hints

Q. What Is conservation framing?
A. 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.

Q. When should I ask for conservation framing?
A. Value is, at best, a subjective thing. If it's worth framing, it's worth protecting.

Q. How can I be sure I am getting conservation quality?
A. Let your framer know you want conservation framing employed on your project. Specifically, request the following:

1) Specify TruGuard UV Protection Glass. Ultraviolet (UV) light rays are one of the most dangerous elements 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 time, damage 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 that will cause no damage to the artwork it encases as time goes by.

3) Request a careful adherence to proper conservation techniques for mounting and sealing your artwork. The framer you patronize should be fully versed in the specifics of conservation mounting. Be sure to impress upon him how much the piece means to you, and demand 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 you entrust your valuable framing projects to 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.

The effects of not using proper conservation framing include faded artwork, improper placement of matting over the signature, and incorrect mounting techniques.

How to Properly Hang Your Artwork

Protection

Care should be taken to hang the piece in an area where it will not become damaged by heat, UV light rays, or humidity. Hang your artwork out of the line of direct sunlight. We recommend 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 humidity can cause serious damage to your art.

Framing Photography

Some of life's most precious memories are captured in the photographs we take, such as a child's first birthday, your parents' 50th wedding anniversary party, or 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.

Protecting Your Artwork

Perhaps the best reason to custom frame your personal and well-loved works of art is that a professional picture framer has the skills and materials necessary to preserve and protect them as closely as possible to their original condition. Acid- and lignin-free mat and mount boards like Crescent and Artique Conservation-grade matting contain no impurities which can damage the art they surround. Special UV-filtering glazing, such as Tru Vue Conservation Series Glass featuring TruGuard UV Protection can be used to protect art from irreversible damage caused by light exposure.

Professional picture framers have the training and skills required to use these materials to beautifully present your treasured items in a way that will not only enhance their appearance but protect them for your enjoyment for many years to come.

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 memento in a shadowbox presentation with the photo?

For instance, a photo 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.