Matting and Framing
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Matting and Framing Ford Conservation Center 2017 Basics of Matting and Framing Matting and framing is used to display, store, and safeguard works of art of pa- per, archives, and family documents. Proper matting and framing can help to protect these items from deterioration due to changing relative humidity, light exposure, handling, and other sources of damage. The following information is intended to explain the basics of mat- ting, framing, and hanging art or other paper-based items. Consult a conserva- tor for specific questions. See a framer you trust for help with your matting and framing needs. Inside this issue: M a t t i n g Matting 1 Matting, matboard, or mat (all used window mat held together with a Hinging 2 interchangeably) is flat, paper- strip of linen tape. The object is at- based material used to separate art tached to the back mat with hinges Adhesives 2 from a frame. Matboard is used to made of special Japanese tissue securely house works on paper. paper. Hinging is preferred over Framing 3 Matboard comes in various sizes, commercial tapes because it allows colors, weights and types of materi- for easy removal of the object with Hanging 4 al. minimal use of adhesive. The win- dow mat construction allows the A mat for an object is a series of Consulting a Conser- 5 object to be seen while protecting vator pieces constructed to protect the it from handling while the back Additional Resources 5 object. It includes a back mat and mat provides structural support for Matting and Framing the object. Alkaline buffered matboard is a good option for acidic objects, like Matboard should be acid-free, lig- nin-free, and made from alpha cel- newsprint. The alkaline mat board lulose or 100% rag. Lignin is a com- also acts as a buffer to neutralize ponent in cellulose that deterio- acids in the object that may devel- rates rapidly due to its high acidic op over time. Matboard can be pur- content. It causes paper to become chased from conservation suppliers brittle and discolor, and can affect and can be requested at most pro- nearby materials in the same way fessional framing services. H i n g i n g Hinges are used to securely attach Each type of hinge is used for a dif- the object to the back mat. They ferent purpose. The “T-hinge” is gen- are always placed along the top erally used for works of art with de- edge of a work of art. The two fined margins. The object is over- most common types of hinges are matted, which means the edges are “T-hinges” and “V-hinges.” These covered by the window mat. hinges are designed so that the “V-hinges”, or folded hinges, are object can be removed simply by tucked out of site under an object. cutting the hinge between the ob- This type of hinge is used for works Page 2 ject and the back mat. of art with no definite margins, or for objects that are “floated” in the window mat; this means the edges of the art are visible within the win- dow. A d h e s i v e s Conservators choose adhesives that tape should not be used directly on are the appropriate strength and a work of art or other paper-based will hold for an indefinite period of documents. These materials can time. It is important that adhesives contain unknown additives, and the do not discolor with age, and can be adhesives are not always stable. The “Conservators choose ad- easily removed. Purified wheat results of aged adhesives cause hesives that are the appro- starch paste is most commonly staining, leave behind residues, and priate strength and will used for hinging works on paper. can deteriorate the cellulose sup- hold for an indefinite peri- Commercial glues, pastes, or pres- port. od of time. It is important sure sensitive tapes such as artist’s that adhesives do not dis- color with age, and can be F r a m i n g easily removed.” The most important thing to re- When deciding what kind of glazing member when framing an object is to use in framing your object, con- that it should not touch the glass or sider the advantages and disad- plexiglass (also called glazing). This vantages of acrylic and glass. Acrylic helps to prevent the framed object glaze has advantages in that it is from getting damp if moisture pen- scratch resistant, lightweight, and etrates the frame and condensation UV filtering, and does not break eas- occurs. A window mat also helps to ily. Never use acrylic glazing for create a space between the object works on paper with powder media and the glazing. such as charcoal or pastels. Acrylic Page 3 Matting and Framing develops a static charge over time pieces of glass. that can draw powder media off A frame must be deep enough to the paper. house the glazing, mat, dust cover, Advantages to glass are its usability and backing board. To secure the with all types of media including backboard and matted object in charcoal, and pastels, and its the frame, conservators recom- scratch resistance. However, glass mend non-rusting brass nails or off- is breakable, and the larger the set clips. The frame package may piece, the heavier it is. It can also be then be sealed with a dust cover expensive to purchase UV filtered and linen tape. Framing Proper hanging and placement is these can easily break and cause an important element in the long- stress on the frame parts. If wire term care of works on paper. When must be used, use cable wire. It is choosing a location to hang your preferable to use at least two D- frame, there are a few things to rings with the appropriate weight keep in mind. Do not hang paper- rating for the frame. If one should based objects on outside walls, fail, the other D-ring may prevent which are more prone to moisture the frame from falling. and temperature fluctuations. Avoid direct sunlight, which can have a damaging and irreversible effect on paper. Do not place ob- jects above working fireplaces. When determining the proper hardware for the frame, fittings for a framed object must be strong and secure. Avoid hanging a frame with picture wire or string as Page 4 Consulting a Conservator A conservator will be able to advise you the proper materials to use as well as the hanging hard- ware needed to safely hand your artwork. A conservator will also be able to direct you to a local framer who can professionally mat and frame your piece using appropriate materials and tech- niques. Additional Resources Northeast Document Conservation Center. Matting and Framing for Art and Artifacts on Paper. Re- trieved https://www.nedcc.org/free-resources/preservation-leaflets/4.-storage-and-handling/4.10 -matting-and-framing-for-art-and-artifacts-on-paper Conservation Suppliers Conservation Resources International Light Impressions 5532 Port Royal Road 100 Carlson Road Springfield, VA 22151 Rochester, NY 14610 Toll free: (800) 634-6932 Toll Free: (800) 975-6429 www.conservationresources.com www.lightimpressionsdirect.com Archival housing/storage supplies, photographic supplies, gen- Photographic supplies, housing, matting and framing supplies eral University Products Gaylord Archival 517 Main Street P. O. Box 4901 P. O. Box 101 Syracuse, NY 13221-4901 Holyoke, MA 01041 Toll Free: (800) 448-6160 Toll Free: (800) 628-1912 www.gaylord.com www.universityproducts.com General conservation supplies, housing supplies General conservation supplies, housing and matting supplies Hollinger Metal Edge, Inc. Talas 6340 Bandini Blvd 330 Morgan Ave Commerce, CA 90040 Brooklyn, NY 11211 Toll Free: (800)-862-2228 Telephone: (212) 219-0770 www.hollingermetaledge.com www.talasonline.com Archival housing/storage supplies Conservation supplies, photographic supplies, general This project was made possible in part by the Ford Conservation Center Institute of Museum and Library Services grant 1326 S 32 Street Omaha, NE 68105 402-595-1180 LG- 43- 12- 0 4 6 3 - 1 2 . www.imls.gov [email protected] history.nebraska.gov/conservation-center .