The best way to protect your prized paper-based artwork is not to display them at all, as this exposes them to the potential of fading and damage. However, it’s not practical or logical to keep such treasures hidden away so when you do choose to display them, museum framing provides the protection required to avoid irreversible alterations in the color and details of the piece. Displaying your artwork with custom wood framing, matting, glazing and backing shields it, protects your investment and allows you to share it with the world.
Museum framing limits a piece of artwork or an artifact’s exposure to environmental factors including light, humidity, water, airborne pollutants when it’s on display. Every item used during framing from the backing to the glazing possesses a chemical stability that won’t damage the item. For artwork, the hinging must be non-adhesive or use refined materials that allow removal of the piece from the frame without damage. The matting used for this style of framing should be pH-neutral or low alkaline such as 100% cotton rag. Floating the piece in the frame is inadvisable as this can expose the work to light from multiple angles.
The glass or glazing used for museum framing needs to be UV resistant and anti-static as necessary for artifacts. Spacers or a thick mat prevent the artwork or artifact from touching the glazing and exposing it to temperature variations. The backing board must be acid-free and corrugated to provide a moisture barrier in addition to the polyester film moisture barrier.
Metal or custom wood framing work best for quality museum style frames and when using wood, an experienced framer knows to line it with a barrier film to keep wood acids from penetrating the mat. The mat receives attachment with brads or pins, not tape. A durable material ensures that the frame never bows or warps.
Museum framing is the proven way to protect artwork from environmental influences and preserve it for years of viewing.