What Is Conservation Framing?

Archival or preservation framing, also known as conservation framing, is a specialised technique for extending a piece of artwork, photograph, or any other valuable object in life. Conservation framing is different from standard framing, in that unlike other framings, it deals with aesthetics, but these are not the only focus, it is a careful process that relies upon high-quality materials and protective treatments to prevent the need to acquire new material over time. If you use the conservation method, you can keep your art or personal mementoes beautiful and have value for future generations.

Importance of Conservation Framing in Preserving Art and Photographs

Conservation framing is what works to protect art and photographs from environmental and physical harm. For this reason, when artwork is displayed without protection it becomes vulnerable to light exposure, gases such as pollutants and humidity, and many acids that can lastingly weaken the piece. Conservation framing incorporates such basics as archival-quality matting, UV protective glass or acrylic, and acid-free backing boards to prevent the slow disintegration that makes many precious pieces go into decline.

• Archival-Quality Matting: Conservation framing requires archival matting. Acid-free mats prevent artwork from making contact with harmful materials that can cause yellowing, fading or some other type of damage. Quality matting adds to the visual presentation of the artwork as it breathes the artwork and preserves it at the same time.
• UV-Protective Glass or Acrylic: Ultraviolet (UV) rays are one of the most damaging factors for artwork and photographs. Over time the colours will fade and the paper fibres will break down as they occur with UV rays. UV protective glass or acrylic shields protect artwork from these damaging rays greatly extending the piece’s life. For some pieces, you can roll with non-reflective glass to cut down on glare while keeping colour integrity.
• Acid-Free Backing Boards: Traditional backing boards are generally acid-contaminated and can transfer discolouration and brittleness to the artwork. This puts a stop to acidic contents coming into contact with the artwork with acid-free backing boards in the conservation sense of the word. For maintaining both the physical condition and aesthetic value of the piece, these boards are essential.

The Benefits of Conservation Framing

Conservation Framing provides a broad array of advantages to not just preserve the artwork, but also make it more attractive and last longer.

• Protection from Environmental Damage: The conservation framing protects pieces from dust, moisture, pollutants, and other external factors that can wreak havoc on pieces and result in permanent damage. If you use just the right sealing techniques, you make sure that your artwork is on safe grounds, protected from warping, mould growth and all the other common problems.
• Enhanced Longevity of Artwork: Materials for conservation framing resist deterioration, so the artwork has been in excellent condition for many years. Sentimental items like family photos or valuable art pieces need to maintain their original quality, so we know this is important.
• Maintains Aesthetic Value: Conservation framing accounts not only for the physical state of the artwork but also its appearance. Archival materials keep colours clean and colours and contrast fresh over time, thus assuring the visual dynamic feel and a plethora of factors that add to its visual dynamic feel and plethora of factors.

Conservation Framing Techniques

Specific techniques applied to conservation framing aim to limit the contact between the artwork and other materials and also keep the artwork stable.

• Proper Mounting Methods: Constant removal and re-installment of the artwork without damaging it is a key technique with the use of archival hinges which enable the removal and reinstallment of the artwork without harming it. Standard framing tapes and adhesives cause damage when removed so framers tend to avoid them when framing conservatively.
• Use of Spacers and Hinges: Spacers serve essentially to create a small gap between the glass and the artwork, avoiding contact which would otherwise lead to smudging, or trapping moisture. Artwork is secured to archival quality hinges that won't compromise the integrity.
• Avoiding Direct Contact with Artwork: Artwork will be subject to condensation and damage if directly contacted with glass or acrylic. Conservation framing, by using spacers and other techniques, keeps a safe interval between the frame and the materials and avoids humidity and temperature changes.

Selecting a Professional Framer

For conservation framing you want a skilled framer because you want to make certain that the right techniques and proper materials are being used. Here are some aspects to consider when choosing a professional framer:

• Qualifications and Expertise: Choose a framer for whom conservation techniques and knowledge of archival standards are uppermost in his or her mind. The difference between a qualified framer and an amateur is that the first will know what kind of artwork they’re dealing with whether it’s fragile photographs or the larger canvas framing.
• Questions to Ask About Materials and Methods: Ask how they keep materials acid-free for the matting, backing boards and adheres, as well as if they use UV-protective glass. Those questions let you know the framer is buying into saving the artwork, not just showing it.

Conservation framing is an investment in your work's longevity and quality. But it doesn't have to be this way, as treasured pieces can be kept looking well by carefully choosing which materials are used, incorporating protective techniques, and using a framer who is an expert.