Do I need Archival Framing?

Your choice of Archival Framing is a personal choice. We can not tell you how to frame your artwork. However, we can educate you, and let you know what is available and why you would choose one type of framing over another. Again, it is not our place to tell you how to frame your art, that’s a personal choice.

Below will show you different options for framing and why you would use one type over another. Because artwork is valued differently from person to person, you need to evaluate your artwork and decide which type is the right framing choice for you.

Type one: (Archival/Conservation Framing)

This type of framing is the most expensive, Mat board and backing can cost 2 to 3 times what regular matting could cost and glass could cost 1.5 to 2 times regular glass.

In using this type of framing you will optimize the protection of your artwork. This type of framing uses 100% Rag mounting board and matting. The material used in making these types of backing and mats is cotton. This material is made 100% acid and Lignin-Free. (Lignin is a natural plant material that can cause artwork to turn brown.) The artwork is mounted using 100% acid and lignin-free mounting corners. These corners protect the artwork by holding it in place and away from any contact with the surrounding frame. The corners are the alternative choice to tapes or mounting sprays which could damage your artwork. Finally, a UV type glass is used to protect your artwork from any damage caused by sunlight. Although this is the most expensive type of framing, it maximizes the protection of the piece you’re framing.

This type of framing is regularly used for Extremely Valuable Original works of Art, Rare and Antique Documents and Photographs, Items of Historical Importance and Heirlooms.

Type Two: (Alternative to NON-Archival/Conservation Framing)

This type of framing tends to be less expensive then Archival/Conservation framing, although attention is still stressed on protection and preservation.

Alpha Cellulose Mat board is used instead of a Rag (cotton) material. A wood pulp is used in this type of matting and it is chemically treated to eliminate acid and lignin. Mounting includes chemically treated backing materials and corners to eliminate acid and lignin. Finally, you have the option of using UV type glass or regular.

This type of framing is regularly used for Fine Art Prints, Limited Editions, Valuable Documents and Photographs.

Type Three: (Decorative NON-Archival/Conservation Framing)

This type of framing is an inexpensive way to frame your decorative artwork and is widely used. The materials used in this type of framing will not permanently protect your work from long term damage although attention is still placed on protection. Damage may or may not occur for years and in some cases little or no damage may or may not occur for 20 to 100 plus years**.

The matting used in this type of framing uses a buffering chemical to slow damage caused by acid and lignin. The mounting materials may or may not protect the artwork from future damage depending on the techniques and materials you choose. Protective glass may or may not be used, depending on the materials you choose.

This type of framing is regularly used for decorative and general presentation, open editions and/or reproductions, and posters and decorative art.

**Because there are many factors involved, damage to your artwork is impossible to predict whether you use Archival/Conservation or NON-Archival/Conservation Framing. So talk to your framer about the options offered to you. No matter how much you put into the protection of your artwork you need to understand that the environment in which you display your work can be a factor in the protection of your artwork. Light, humidity, and other pollutants can all be factors in the damage of your artwork.

CONCLUSION:

This information is not meant to make your framing decisions harder but to educate you so you are better prepared to decide what works for your framing needs. NEVER let anyone, framers included, tell you how you should frame your artwork. The value of your piece is decided by YOU.