At Prints Galore our standard framing techniques are known as Preservation or conservation framing. This means that the framing materials and techniques that we use must not permanently alter the artwork in any way and that art that is preservation framed should be able to be removed from its framing environment 100 years from now and be in the same condition as the day it was framed.
One of the most damaging things for art is light, particularly Ultra-violet light rays. Generally, we recommend where possible that art not be exposed to sunlight or if it is exposed to any kind of ultra-violet light rays such as those in sunlight that it be protected by glazing material that filters out almost all U-V radiation.
Another source of potential damage for artwork can be the very framing materials used to protect the work. At Prints Galore our standard matboards and backing boards are made from museum or conservation quality material that is acid-free meaning that these materials are Ph neutral, testing at between 6.8 and 7.4 on the 14 point Ph scale.
We also seal the artwork within the frame to protect the art from things like changes in humidity, atmospheric pollution, biological enemies such as mold, mildew, or even bugs.
But let’s be realistic.
Sometimes you don’t need something framed that will look great 100 years from now. That is why we offer you a number of choices. For example, your work may not ever be exposed to sunlight so you may not need to go to the extra expense of U-V protective glass. Similarly, that canvas you bought at the street market in Paris might be something you would want to simply put on a stretcher bar or dry mount and put in a simple black frame.
In fact you could decide to protect a favourite poster by plaque mounting it which offers great protection at a very reasonable price.
The point is that while we certainly do advocate preservation framing for certain things, it’s also something that isn’t necessary for everything. Feel free to discuss your needs and your budget with us. We will be happy to work with you to find something that looks great and protects your artwork while remaining affordable.