What's Behind Your Frame?

WHAT’S BEHIND YOUR FRAME?

Many of the materials used in picture framing can actually How will my artwork be secured inside of the frame, and harm your artwork or documents. Even many of the will the method of attachment cause any permanent materials that are sold as archival-quality could be changes to my object? potentially harmful. Poor quality framing materials can  Non-adhesive photo corners and Japanese paper accelerate the deterioration of paper based objects. hinges are some of the safest methods of Oxidation and the release of acidic gasses from poor attachment. quality materials may cause objects to become  Hinging with non-archival tape or even gummed embrittled, stained and discolored. linen tape may cause staining or other damage to your object. COMMON CULPRITS  Dry mounting and spray mounting are often Be sure to check (or have your framer check) what irreversible processes. Mounting an object to materials may be hidden behind your picture frames. foam board could be especially harmful to your Look out for these common culprits hiding behind your object. framed objects:  Have your object attached to an archival backing board vs. having it hinged to the window mat. An  Cardboard object that is attached to the window mat is in  Foam boards danger of tearing or skinning during future  Strawboard unframing.  Old newspaper  Your window mat should be hinged on its longest  Lignin containing paper-based mat boards side to an archival backing board. Window mats o check the beveled edge for yellowing or left unattached to a backing board are more likely discoloration, an indication of acidic materials to sag or shift.  Kraft (brown) paper What is the mat made of?  Non-archival tapes • The best mat to use is 100% cotton rag mat or  Works hinged to window mats rather than works museum board (acid free and lignin free). hinged to the backing board • Materials used to frame photographic objects

should pass the Photographic Activity Test (PAT). CHOOSE SAFE, ARCHIVAL MATERIALS • Paper based mats sold as “archival” and “acid- There are many safe and archival materials available to free” may still contain lignin. Look for “lignin use in picture frames, including: free”.

 100% Cotton rag mat board What kind of backing boards will be used?  Museum board • Acid free mat board with a secondary backing of  Coroplast Coroplast or archival cardboard is recommended.  Archival corrugated cardboard (blue color) • Foam boards are not recommended

 Melinex (archival polyester plastic) How much UV Protection does the glazing offer?  Archival paper (acid free and lignin free) • Compare all of the available glazing choices. The most expensive choice may not offer more protection than the most basic UV protectant QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR FRAMER glass choice. Learn the right questions to ask your framer when • For especially sensitive objects display may not be purchasing a new picture frame. Choose a reputable and recommended. Consider having an archival ethical picture framer who is committed to the long term reproduction made for display and house the preservation of your artwork and documents. original objects in an archival housing.

By Annajean Hamel, NEDCC

NEDCC, 100 Brickstone Square, Andover, MA 01810 -1494 • 978-470-1010 • www.nedcc.org