Archival Framing
Do you have older pieces of artwork, documents, letters, or other older items you want to frame and display? Perhaps these are historical pieces you’ve collected, or maybe they’re family documents and letters you would love to pass down to your children and grandchildren. Either way, you want to be certain these items are protected, and that means framing them correctly so they will not deteriorate over time. Here at The Right Angle, we use archival safe materials and make use of the latest archival framing standards to make certain every item we frame is protected from the environment and the ravages of time.
What is Conservation Framing?
Archival framing, also called conservation framing, is more involved and more protective than standard framing. All of the materials used are non-acidic, which means they will not damage or discolor the item. The glass used in archival framing is designed to protect the piece from sunlight, ultraviolet rays, and other types of lighting that can damage the piece or cause it to fade. Archival frames are designed to be airtight and prevent dust, moisture, and other things from getting into them.
Facts About Archival Framing:
- All matting materials are 100% acid free.
- Most mats are slightly alkaline in order to offset acids that can be found in the air.
- The acrylic glass filters out between 97% and 99% of all UV rays.
- All adhesives used to hold the item to the frame’s backing are 100% acid-free.
- Common materials used include Virgin Alpha-Cellulose matting boards, cotton rag matting boards, and rice paste or Japanese wheat paste for the adhesive.
Should You Use Archival Framing?
Is archival framing right for your piece? If the item you’re framing does have historic value, is fragile, or is something you wish to have passed down through your family for generations, it’s best to have it framed using archival framing even if it’s in good condition now. You will want to extend its life for as long as you can, and that means protecting it from light, moisture, dust, and other things that can damage the item. In most cases, once this damage is done, it can’t be undone.
If you’re uncertain about whether or not archival framing is the right choice for an item, come in and discuss it with our staff. Tell us about the condition of the item, its significance, and any other details you may have so we can make the best framing recommendation possible.
The Right Angle represents the best available for framing and keepsake preservation. They are true artisans and experts in their craft. I wouldn’t trust anyone else with my work and that’s been true for over 30 years!
-Judy Rogers
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