Matting and Framing 2017 Gerald R

Matting and Framing 2017 Gerald R. Ford Conservation Center

Basics of Matting and Framing

Matting and framing is used to display, store, and safeguard works of art of paper, 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 matting, framing, and hanging art or other paper-based items. Consult a conservator for specific questions. See a framer you trust for help with your matting and framing needs.

Inside this issue: Mat t ing Matting 1 Matting, matboard, or mat (all used held together with a strip of linen tape. Hinging 2 interchangeably) is flat, paper-based The object is attached to the back mat material used to separate art from a with hinges made of special Japanese Adhesives 2 frame. Matboard is used to securely tissue paper. Hinging is preferred over

Framing 3 house works on paper. Matboard commercial tapes because it allows for comes in various sizes, colors, weights easy removal of the object with mini- Hanging 4 and types of material. mal use of adhesive. The window mat A mat for an object is a series of pieces construction allows the object to be Consulting a Conservator 5 constructed to protect the object. It seen while protecting it from handling while the back mat provides structural Additional Resources 5 includes a back mat and window mat support for the object. Matting and Framing

Matboard should be acid-free, lignin- good option for acidic objects, like free, and made from alpha cellulose or newsprint. The alkaline mat board also 100% rag. Lignin is a component in cel- acts as a buffer to neutralize acids in lulose that deteriorates rapidly due to the object that may develop over time. its high acidic content. It causes paper Matboard can be purchased from con- to become brittle and discolor, and can servation suppliers and can be re- affect nearby materials in the same quested at most professional framing way Alkaline buffered matboard is a services.

Hin g ing

Hinges are used to securely attach the Each type of hinge is used for a differ- object to the back mat. They are al- ent purpose. The “T-hinge” is generally ways placed along the top edge of a used for works of art with defined mar- work of art. The two most common gins. The object is overmatted, which types of hinges are “T-hinges” and “V- means the edges are covered by the hinges.” These hinges are designed so window mat. that the object can be removed sim- “V-hinges”, or folded hinges, are tucked ply by cutting the hinge between the out of site under an object. This type of Page 2 object and the back mat. hinge is used for works 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 window.

Adhe siv e s

Conservators choose adhesives that are tape should not be used directly on a “Conservators choose the appropriate strength and will hold work of art or other paper-based docu- adhesives that are the for an indefinite period of time. It is im- ments. These materials can contain un- appropriate strength and portant that adhesives do not discolor known additives, and the adhesives are will hold for an indefinite with age, and can be easily removed. not always stable. The results of aged Purified wheat starch paste is most adhesives cause staining, leave behind period of time. It is im- commonly used for hinging works on residues, and can deteriorate the cellu- portant that adhesives paper. Commercial glues, pastes, or lose support. do not discolor with age, pressure sensitive tapes such as artist’s and can be easily re- Fr am in g moved.”

The most important thing to remember When deciding what kind of glazing to when framing an object is that it should use in framing your object, consider the not touch the glass or plexiglass (also advantages and disadvantages of acrylic called glazing). This helps to prevent the and glass. Acrylic glaze has advantages framed object from getting damp if in that it is scratch resistant, light- moisture penetrates the frame and con- weight, and UV filtering, and does not densation occurs. A window mat also break easily. Never use acrylic glazing helps to create a space between the for works on paper with powder media object and the glazing. such as charcoal or pastels. Acrylic de-

Page 3 Matting and Framing

velops a static charge over time that A frame must be deep enough to can draw powder media off the paper. house the glazing, mat, dust cover, and Advantages to glass are its usability backing board. To secure the back- with all types of media including char- board and matted object in the frame, coal, and pastels, and its scratch resis- conservators recommend non-rusting tance. However, glass is breakable, and brass nails or offset clips. The frame the larger the piece, the heavier it is. It package may then be sealed with a can also be expensive to purchase UV dust cover and linen tape. filtered pieces of glass.

Framing

Proper hanging and placement is an frame with picture wire or string as important element in the long-term these can easily break and cause stress care of works on paper. When choos- on the frame parts. If wire must be ing a location to hang your frame, used, use cable wire. It is preferable to there are a few things to keep in mind. use at least two D-rings with the ap- Do not hang paper-based objects on propriate weight rating for the frame. outside walls, which are more prone to If one should fail, the other D-ring may moisture and temperature fluctua- prevent the frame from falling. tions. Avoid direct sunlight, which can have a damaging and irreversible ef- fect on paper. Do not place objects above working fireplaces. When determining the proper hardware for the frame, fittings for a framed object must be strong and secure. Avoid hanging a

Page 4 Consulting a Conservator

A conservator will be able to advise you the proper materials to use as well as the hanging hardware needed to safely hand your artwork. A conservator will also be able to direct you to a local framer who can profes- sionally mat and frame your piece using appropriate materials and techniques.

Additional Resources

Northeast Document Conservation Center. Matting and Framing for Art and Artifacts on Paper. Retrieved 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, general Photographic supplies, housing, matting and framing supplies

Gaylord Archival University Products P. O. Box 4901 517 Main Street Syracuse, NY 13221-4901 P. O. Box 101 Toll Free: (800) 448-6160 Holyoke, MA 01041 www.gaylord.com Toll Free: (800) 628-1912 General conservation supplies, housing supplies www.universityproducts.com General conservation supplies, housing and matting supplies Hollinger Metal Edge, Inc. 6340 Bandini Blvd Talas Commerce, CA 90040 330 Morgan Ave Toll Free: (800)-862-2228 Brooklyn, NY 11211 www.hollingermetaledge.com Telephone: (212) 219-0770 Archival housing/storage supplies www.talasonline.com Conservation supplies, photographic supplies, general

This project was made possible in part by the Gerald R. Ford Conservation Center Institute of Museum and Library Services grant 1326 S 32 Street Omaha, NE 68105 LG- 43- 12- 0 4 6 3 - 1 2 . www.imls.gov 402-595-1180 [email protected]