Framing for the Future: Conserving Artwork

michellearnold

Story by michellearnold

Published on Aug 13, 2009 in Seller Handbook

Photo by michellearnold

Since I work for a frame store, I have a lot of opportunities to see the “How-to’s” and “How-NOT-to’s” of framing. We often reframe work that was purchased from artists. Sometimes it is a bit painful to see how the artist has framed or matted their own work, and in the process made preserving their art more difficult, costly, or even impossible. They have damaged their own artwork by framing it themselves! So I thought I’d take this opportunity to share with all you Etsy artists out there (and art buyers) a few of the basics of conservation as it relates to framing artwork. The beauty of original art is that it is one-of-a-kind; as something that can never be replaced, it deserves the very best treatment from creation to presentation.

First of all, “archival” means using materials and methods that will not harm or alter the artwork and that are completely reversible. For example, you can use photo corners to set a photo in place on the backing. Then you don’t need to use any adhesive at all. But if photo corners won’t work for your pieces of art, and so you are going to use tape, it should be labeled “acid-free” or “archival quality” or preferably of a “natural cellulose-base” (this means rice paste or wheat paste which activates with water). This means NO masking tape or scotch tape.

So we hear a lot about acid-free — for paper, scrapbooking, photo-storage, adhesives: what is all the hype about? Acid occurs naturally in the lignin of wood pulp, which is what most paper is made of, and this acid will cause it to turn yellow and disintegrate over time. Using tape, matting, or backing which is not acid-free will damage an artwork, even if the artwork itself was made with archival materials. The best fine art papers and “museum-quality” matboard for framing, are made from cotton, a naturally acid-free material. Cotton papers and ragboard will last much longer than wood pulp products labeled “acid-free”, which have been processed to neutralize the acid.

Be sure to protect your art from both the back AND the front. Both the mat AND the backing should be acid-free. If it isn’t, the acid can leech from the backing into the artwork, so backing your artwork with cardboard is NOT a good idea.


See what happens when backing a document or photo with cardboard — damage to the document AND the mat!

Another important conservation purpose the mat serves is to separate it from the glass. Since glass condenses with changes in temperature, over time this condensation can damage the artwork, as seen with the photograph below.


This photograph was framed without a mat — the photo emulsion is now stuck to the glass and disintegrating.

For more information on the aesthetics and technical info on designing and cutting a stunning archival mat, see TheSeed’s post.

If you really don’t want to mat it? That’s okay — just make sure that you have some sort of spacer in the frame to separate the artwork from the glass. Another good way to frame a work on paper without matting is to use clear acrylic/plexiglass in the frame instead of glass. Because Plexiglass is plastic, it doesn’t condense the way glass does, and is safe to lay directly on top of your artwork. Whether you choose glass or acrylic for your glazing, look for UV protection. UV protective glazing acts like sunscreen for your artwork to prevent it from fading, which can occur even under artificial lights.

As long as you understand the basics of conservation, you don’t have to pay a pro in order to take good care of your work; just plan ahead, and invest in some good materials to guarantee that your collectors can have your works of art for generations.

Further Resources:

  • For guides on caring for everything from videos to books to textiles:

www.conservation-us.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=Page.viewPage&pageId=497&parentID=472


Michelle Arnold Paine is a painter and art teacher living in Massachusetts. Add to that experience her part-time job as a custom framer — isn’t she the perfect author for a post like this? Leave any questions you might have in the comments below. Stay tuned for Part 2!
Did you know we’re doing a community vote on which art work gets featured in the Members’ Choice Gift Guide?
Discuss: 77 comments

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  • BlueShoeStudio

    BlueShoeStudio says:

    This makes me want to apprentice at my local framing shop! Another fun entry on my Big To-Do List. :)

    2 years ago

  • spacejam

    spacejam says:

    great article andpicks!! check out my vintage frames. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28656322

    2 years ago

  • UglyBaby

    UglyBaby says:

    Wow, I had no idea there was so much to consider about framing and preserving artwork.

    2 years ago

  • peppersprouts

    peppersprouts says:

    i used to work fulltime as a framer. Oh the stories i could tell you. Frame your art right the first time. It's worth the money i promise! Oh and be careful with the power drills drilling through a finger is not fun.

    2 years ago

  • MeghanT

    MeghanT says:

    Thanks for this article! For Christmas last year my boyfriend ordered me a GORGEOUS painting from an artist here on etsy. I still need to get it framed so this was quite helpful.

    2 years ago

  • VanessaAdmin

    Vanessa says:

    peppersprouts, you drilled through your finger? Ouuuuch!

    2 years ago

  • PravinaStudio

    PravinaStudio says:

    As a museum curator, it warms my heart to see good preservation advice. Thanks for sharing this! Another tip-Try to hang your work in darker rooms to reduce the amount of light exposure and always always keep your work out of direct sunlight. The sun (or any UV light) will not only fade the piece but will speed its overall degradation.

    2 years ago

  • paramountvintage

    paramountvintage says:

    GREAT ARTICLE AND FANTASTIC TIPS! thank you!

    2 years ago

  • soule

    soule says:

    Love that pattern tape from theseed!

    2 years ago

  • framergirl

    framergirl says:

    Great article. You can find archival matboard / backing board and other framing options on our site. Convo us for more options, too. We do this full time.

    2 years ago

  • SpringtreeRoad

    SpringtreeRoad says:

    good stuff. i have lots of old pics that are stuck to the glass, unfortunately.

    2 years ago

  • JessicaTorrant

    JessicaTorrant says:

    Excellent tips! I've recently set up a framing station in my studio so I can utilize the tools and tricks of the trade I picked up in my ten years framing. SO GOOD to know that I can find supplies right here on Etsy! (ATG from TheSeed and custom cut plexi from InTheZone - how cool is that!?).

    2 years ago

  • SimpleTraditions

    SimpleTraditions says:

    Very cool article. Thank you!

    2 years ago

  • JessicaTorrant

    JessicaTorrant says:

    There was some magic solvent we used to use to remove glue, ATG and sometimes peel photos away from glass - with mixed results, but it's worth a shot. Anyone know what I'm talking about? It came in a can like the tin man's oil can and it had that potent "solvent stink". hmmm... It wasn't linseed oil or anything like that.

    2 years ago

  • travellingcircus

    travellingcircus says:

    Very useful article...thank you!

    2 years ago

  • FrillyButts

    FrillyButts says:

    I THOUGHT I knew how to frame! I never realized there was so much to consider. Thank you for enlightening us!

    2 years ago

  • GimCarry

    GimCarry says:

    Thank you so much for great article + + + + + Thank you for share(* v *)

    2 years ago

  • workingforpeanuts

    workingforpeanuts says:

    Very good advice! Thanks. (Can plexi really be flat against artwork?)

    2 years ago

  • SusanFaye

    SusanFaye says:

    What excellent information for both the artist and the art collector! Thanks!!

    2 years ago

  • thestapeliacompany

    thestapeliacompany says:

    Neat article and good advice. I think about archival supplies all the time with my photography, but I still learned some new tips. Thanks!

    2 years ago

  • irisschwarz

    irisschwarz says:

    Thank you so much for this informative article!

    2 years ago

  • foxmountain

    foxmountain says:

    Love the ink drawing!!!!!!

    2 years ago

  • aprilmist

    aprilmist says:

    Wow, I had no idea what a science it is to frame a work of art. No wonder it's usually kinda pricy to get a great frame job! thanks for sharing your expertise!

    2 years ago

  • littletank

    littletank says:

    frames make ANY picture look more elegant

    2 years ago

  • GollyBard

    GollyBard says:

    This is great information to share with customers! Thank you!

    2 years ago

  • rosybird

    rosybird says:

    Thanks for the info :)

    2 years ago

  • heidiburton

    heidiburton says:

    Thank you so much for sharing your useful advice and information. Am interested in all matters of framing, from a design perspective (Mount? Colour schemes? How framing can be used sympathetically to accentuate the piece?) & aesthetic placing of framed works in different settings (studio? Kitchen? Outside toilet? Stairway?). Also I'd love to know a method of creating simple picture frames (perhaps from recycled materials) for the most basic of us DIY enthusiasts ;)

    2 years ago

  • Fairyfolk

    Fairyfolk says:

    Gosh, kind of makes me look at art differently... not just the artwork is art but so too is the frame! Blessings and magic.

    2 years ago

  • MinceCo

    MinceCo says:

    that's a very important topic, i mean it!! ***I'm having a cracker of a sale starting this weekend***details to be on site soon*** http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7050360

    2 years ago

  • michellearnold

    michellearnold says:

    thanks for the additional tips, everyone - what's fun about framing is the Problem Solving of every piece -- every piece has different needs -- never the same problem twice!

    2 years ago

  • jamieribisi

    jamieribisi says:

    WONDERFUL article!! Thank you, Michelle, for writing it! One of my favorite framers on Etsy is: RaysWoodworking.etsy.com

    2 years ago

  • SecondHandNews

    SecondHandNews says:

    Great tips, thanks for the article!

    2 years ago

  • ScribbleShop

    ScribbleShop says:

    Thanks!

    2 years ago

  • evihan

    evihan says:

    thanx for sharingggg:-)

    2 years ago

  • Iammie

    Iammie says:

    Cool!

    2 years ago

  • RoyalPrincess

    RoyalPrincess says:

    OMG, very useful advice

    2 years ago

  • MintyFreshFusions

    MintyFreshFusions says:

    Nice! And there are too many items on Etsy with description claiming to be sealed under/encased in "archival resin", drives me batty!

    2 years ago

  • Millow584

    Millow584 says:

    Just a note - "Archival Quality" does not guarantee that the materials are acid-free, lignin free, PVC free, etc. There are currently no standards applied to the term so any manufacturer can put it on their packaging. Look a little deeper than the claims on the packaging!

    2 years ago

  • justlikeyouimagined

    justlikeyouimagined says:

    as an artist myself selling my art in frames this is very helpful, thanks!

    2 years ago

  • michellearnold

    michellearnold says:

    Thanks Millow 584 for pointing out there aren't universal standrads for "archival quality". For example, all pressure-sensitive tapes (even if they are labelled archival) have a small amount of acid in them -- the only guaranteed acid-free adhesives are the natural ones (rice paste, wheat paste, methyl cellulose), and the best mats/papers are those naturally acid-free, like cotton or rice paper.

    2 years ago

  • jbeaudet

    jbeaudet says:

    Thanks for this informative article Michelle! There are a lot of details to cover when framing art work! I'm selling mine without a frame because it makes them much more affordable, easier to ship, and let's the buyer choose the style and color.

    2 years ago

  • pinkbuffalo

    pinkbuffalo says:

    Great article, very informative. I hadn't even thought of using those scrapbooking photo corners when matting/framing!

    2 years ago

  • beachhouseblues

    beachhouseblues says:

    This really is a great and helpful article!

    2 years ago

  • glasfaden

    glasfaden says:

    Thank you for the useful infos! I'm going to follow your tips and re-frame the photos and art.

    2 years ago

  • TheNightjar

    TheNightjar says:

    good basic information that is great for beginning artists ; )

    2 years ago

  • anticovalore

    anticovalore says:

    wonderful information! Thank you! simona

    2 years ago

  • jennidy

    jennidy says:

    I work in an academic archive and I HIGHLY recommend ordering supplies from Light Impressions, as the author, Michelle, suggests. They may be a bit more costly, but good supplies will last you the rest of your life and will make for quality heirlooms. Light Impressions can be trusted for high quality products.

    2 years ago

  • shantishanty

    shantishanty says:

    i love this article! thank you!

    2 years ago

  • steinschmuckdesign

    steinschmuckdesign says:

    Wonderful, thank you!

    2 years ago

  • treasuresupplies

    treasuresupplies says:

    Reminds me that I have a few pics of my own to hang.

    2 years ago

  • rowenamurillo

    rowenamurillo says:

    Thanks for the informative article. Some of it I already knew, but there was enough that was new to me that I'm glad I read it. And it is always good to have this reinforcement to be careful with our art that we make and our art that we buy.

    2 years ago

  • 1AEON

    1AEON says:

    never stop learning..

    2 years ago

  • tinycharm

    tinycharm says:

    Great information

    2 years ago

  • TheSeed

    TheSeed says:

    Wow, just got back from vacation to find my items featured here, thanks!!! I too have seen lots of unfortunate damage caused by poor framing/matting. Artists- stop using cheapo foam or cardboard! The acid free is not that much more expensive! Also in case anyone isn't familiar with the spacers mentioned here they are plastic spacers made specifically for framing, very easy to use. I've never seen them for sale in craft stores but you might be able to buy some from a frame store. They come in about 5 ft long sticks and you'd probably have to buy the whole stick but it shouldn't be too expensive.

    2 years ago

  • nelsongallery

    nelsongallery says:

    As a professional framer for the past 20+ years, well said. I wish I'd thought to submit, Michelle. So often we think everyone knows these things,then someone brings in a nice piece of art that was framed poorly resulting in damage or even total ruin. If a framer offers to save you a few $$ by using "regular" mats, then you need to run.

    2 years ago

  • caitlinjenkins

    caitlinjenkins says:

    Michelle, I am a paper conservator and I thank you for a great post. It is nice for people to know how to properly frame their own works on paper. Most conservation treatments I do are because of improper hinging, matting, or framing. You gave very good comments.

    2 years ago

  • metrostation

    metrostation says:

    love the information don't forget about framing textiles here is an example of how I do it :http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29010540

    2 years ago

  • metrostation

    metrostation says:

    Here is another example http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=29747511

    2 years ago

  • metrostation

    metrostation says:

    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27068499

    2 years ago

  • trulyana

    trulyana says:

    Thank you so much, in these tips! I have been wondering how to conserve my own paintings, without spending a fortune and I thank you for your tips.

    2 years ago

  • Furiousdreams

    Furiousdreams says:

    I hope these articles are being saved somewhere in an archive- this particular one is so helpful and relevant to my work in protecting archival documents for my township's Historic Commission!

    2 years ago

  • Forkable

    Forkable says:

    Thank you for this great article! I work for a art restoration firm specializing in paper and 50% of what we work on is reversing damage done by poor framing techniques. Great pics too!

    2 years ago

  • Forkable

    Forkable says:

    Oops meant to include this link in my comment. Check out this slide show of damaged art. Many of these were damaged by bad framing materials: http://www.graphicconservation.com/slidework.html

    2 years ago