Conservation framing materials and techniques should always be used on sentimental, valuable, limited edition, and one-of-a-kind artwork. Conversation framing is the use of components that will protect your art. This includes the use of archival materials and UV coated glazing.
Archival materials protect your art. Some common framing materials such as paper mats and cardboard contain acid that will gradually destroy your art. Archival materials are acid free and are made from cotton (rag mat) or buffered to be acid free. Using archival mats and backing boards will help protect art from the damaging effects of time and from common pollutants that cause yellowing and deterioration.
When should UV protection glass be used?
Since UV light rays come from indoor and outdoor light sources, all items on display are vulnerable to the damaging effects of UV light exposure. That’s why it is important to use glass with at least 97% UV protection on all of your custom framing jobs.
Why is UV protection important?
Without at least 97% UV protection, framed pieces will age and fade more rapidly. Indoor and outdoor UV light rays contribute to severe color loss, paper embrittlement, and deterioration of framed pieces. These effects are both cumulative and irreversible. The materials that make up the piece, the paper or fabric on which the image is displayed, may become brittle. Photos may appear yellow or stained with ghostly silver deposits rising to the surface. Once damage from light has occurred, it can never be reversed. That’s why it is important to understand what you can do to minimize this type of damage before it happens.
