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The care and framing of art of paper need not be expensive -- and expensive framing itself does not mean that art work is archivally protected. Every collector needs to know about framing requirements before dealing with a framer.
Does a work have to be framed?
All investment quality artwork or heirlooms on paper needs to be stored or framed for with archival materials for conservation. This includes fine art prints (usually signed and numbered) , photographs, drawings, pastel or watercolor paintings and collages on paper. It can also include antique documents and precious heirlooms, such as embroideries and items of sentimental value.
The best way to protect a work is in a special archival box, separated from other works with archival materials such as glassine. The box needs to be stored in a cool dry place.
Why frame the art?
Archival framing allows for a work to be displayed, but again it needs to be displayed away from where direct sunlight or moisture can affect it. Framing artwork with non-archival materials can immediately damage the work.
Can I frame the work myself?
It is not a good idea to attempt to frame an investment quality work of art or precious heirloom oneself. This is a job best left to a professional to ensure that the best archival materials are used. There are books and even articles on the Internet that show one how to frame works. This is suitable for works that do not require preservation.
It is highly recommended that fine art, antique documents and heirlooms are carefully framed by a professional conservation framer.
How can I find a reputable professional archival framer?
Many local frame shops offer this service. Ask for referrals from local resources that deal with conservation of works on paper, such as museums, historical societies, art groups, and pricy fine art galleries that do not do framing in-house.
What if the work is already framed?
If possible contact the person or shop where it was framed to inquire about the methods of framing. Do not simply ask if the work was archivally framed, ask about the specific materials that were used.
You can also take the work in the frame to a professional archival framer, or if you are having the work appraised by a professional appraiser, they may be able to guide you.
What is archival or conservation framing?
Archival or conservation framing means that the materials used in the framing process are museum quality. The materials are the best archival quality. These include the paper surrounding the artwork plus the method of affixing the work to these materials, and any backing of materials that comes in contact with the materials.
These materials are not much more costly that their less expensive counterparts. The time it takes to adhere the work to the backing can be a bit more, but generally not much. One can float a fine art print on museum quality board for often less money than it costs to place several beveled and decorative layers of cut out mats around the work with inferior quality mats.
Frames can be expensive, especially wood frames.The most beautiful and expensive frame in the world is not going prevent any work of art on paper from fading, moisture damage (including mold and mildew) or other damage. The frame itself should visually enhance the work, of course, and it helps hold the archival package of materials, including U.V. glazing together in an airtight package.
Know what is important -- and what is not when it comes to archival framing of works on paper
Make sure that the mounting methods are 100% reversible. The best materials are approved by the Library of Congress because they are conserving precious works on paper!
Although the frame itself is important the artwork itself should never touch the frame or the glazing. The style of the frame, including whether it is wood or metal is one of personal decorating choice. For conservation purposes it is better to have archival conservation mounting with a cheap frame than skimp on the mounting.
Terms to know:
Hinging
Acid free and water-based activated materials only! Absolutely no pressure sensitive (like tape) adhesives as they will eventually harm the paper. No glue or paste. Do not cut or fold the artwork! Museum grade corners (Dahle) may also be used.
Matboard and Backing
Acid free, lignin free, 100 % rag archival (Museum grade) mats must be used in framing fine art for preservation. Matting separates the artwork from the glazing and provides room within the frame for the paper to expand and contract, which it will do with even slight variations of heat and moisture. Museum quality mats are available in many colors to suit all décor and images. The work may be floated on the mat or framed by it, that is a matter of personal choice that does not bear on conservation. Also any backing behind the matt, such as foamboard and brown paper, needs to all be archival, too.
It is also important to know that mat boards may be called archival if they are acid free. The best however are also lignan free also. Those are always Museum Quality mat boards. Those are the kind to use.
Glazing
One of the greatest problems for artwork on archival paper is fading. There are two keys to avoiding this. First, do not place or hang any two dimensional art, including oils and acrylics on canvas or board) in direct sunlight, or with light, especially fluorescent, directly focused upon it. Second, use only U.V. filtered glazing, either glass or acrylic. Although this won't eliminate all outside light and heat, it will filter out about 98% of harmful ultraviolet light. Always hang art in cool dry rooms, never in a kitchen or bathroom.
Protecting Provenance and Certification
Fine art prints, drawings, photographs and other works often have Certificates of Authenticity or provenance records that accompany them. Often framers attach these to the backs of a frame, a practice that usually does not occur with archival framing, although some notation as to the artist might be made if the work is unsigned.
Store any provenance records or certificates of authenticity, sales receipts, framing receipts (have the materials used noted on the receipt), etc. in a safe place, but not on the back of the frame. For insurance purposes it is wise to store all important documents in a safe deposit box or safe off of the premises. Also, it is recommended that a photograph be made of the work and even the framed work if the image does not appear in any of the materials that you have.
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