The Framer’s Files

Working to expand the knowledge of custom framing for our customers.

 

The Framing Package: items to be contained within the frame.

Usually consisting of:

  • Glazing – glass or acrylic – to protect vulnerable surfaces
  • Matting or Shims – functionally to separate the item being framed from contact with the glazing
  • Item(s) being framed
  • Mount – the ridged board or structure the item being framed is attached to
  • Backing board or filler – additional support and rigidity in the framing package

For a canvas, the package usually consists of:

  • The Canvas
  • The Stretcher Bars or Mounting Board
    • Additionally, the lip of the frame may be lined to cushion the canvas from the edge of the frame.

Glazing:  offers protection to delicate and vulnerable surfaces from environmental damage.

Not only are there are many options of glazing available, but they are not all created equal.

  • At the base are Regular Premium Clear and Regular Reflection Control Glass. Neither of these are conservation grade products.  With no added UV Filtering, they do little to protect against fading and other light generated damage.  Regular clear or non-glare acrylic are basically the same, except that they lighter in weight and offer protection from breakage.
  • Considered the standard choices in custom framing, the next level is Conservation Clear, Conservation Reflection Control Glass and UV blocking acrylic.  Each offers 99% UV blocking which is above the 97% blocking minimum to be considered conservation grade.
  • The premium level consists of Museum Glass and Museum Acrylic.  Each offers 99% UV blocking, true color transmission and amazing clarity.  The Museum Acrylic in addition to being lighter in weight and offering protection from breakage also has the feature of low static transmission.  This makes it an excellent option for pastels, delicate textiles and other friable media.

Matting: used specifically for items framed with glazing.

The basic functions of a mat are for:

  • Aesthetics to serve as a resting place for the eye between the art and the frame
  • Function to prevent the item being framed and the glazing from coming in contact with each other.
    • This separation is necessary due to moisture condensation on the inside glazing surface and the inevitable transfer of that moisture to absorbent papers and fabrics.  The result is the rippling and buckling of the framed item, the potential growth of mold on the framed item, and the possibility that the framed item, especially photographs, will bond to the glazing.

For items such as paintings on canvas that do not require glazing, a liner (whether fabric covered or a plain moulding matching the frame) serves the function of the rest space between the art and the frame.

 

The Mount: an element of matting that allows for the correct support of the item being framed.

It commonly consists of:

  • The mounting board – a surface or substrate on which the item being framed is attached.
  • The materials for the appropriate mounting technique; chosen to meet the needs of the individual item being mounted.

For works on paper, these are:

  • T-hinge or pendulum hinge – folded mulberry paper strips and rice paste or archival tape to hold the art by two tabs along the top edge.
  • Corner pockets – folded archival paper or polyester sleeves to hold the item at the four corners.
  • V-pockets or mounting strips – folded archival paper or polyester strips to hold the art by the top and bottom edge.

These mounting techniques support the item independent from the mounting board with minimal or no alteration to the art.

Dry Mounting, Pressure Mounting, Wet Mounting – attaches the item to the mounting board by a heat or pressure activated adhesive tissue or a paste. With dry mounting, depending on the type tissue used the mounting can be permanent or reversible. The other two are permanent.

Theses mounting techniques are not considered archival.

 

Backing board or filler: adds rigidity and support to the framing package.

For conservation or preservation framing, materials used are Acid Free Foamcore or Coroplast.

Cardboard, wood pulp boards and wood are not acceptable.