Archival Framing for Prints: Protecting Your Treasured Art

Imagine holding a print – perhaps a vintage lithograph, a family photograph, or a limited-edition screen print – knowing that its future hangs in the balance. Light, humidity, and even the materials surrounding it can slowly degrade its beauty and value. That’s where archival framing comes in, acting as a shield against the ravages of time. But what exactly *isarchival framing, and why is it so crucial for preserving your precious prints?

Understanding Archival Framing

Archival framing, at its core, is a methodology that uses specific materials and techniques to protect artwork, documents, and photographs from deterioration. It’s not simply about putting a print behind glass; it’s about creating a micro-environment that minimizes harmful environmental factors. Think of it as a museum-quality preservation strategy you can employ in your own home.

The Enemies of Prints: What Archival Framing Protects Against

Before diving into the specifics, it’s essential to understand what we’re fighting against:

• Light: Ultraviolet (UV) rays are particularly damaging, causing fading, discoloration, and weakening of the paper fibers.
• Humidity: Fluctuations in humidity can lead to mold growth, warping, and staining.
• Acidity: Acidic materials, like standard mat boards and backing, can migrate into the print, causing it to yellow and become brittle over time.
• Pollutants: Airborne pollutants, such as dust, smoke, and chemicals, can deposit on the print’s surface, causing discoloration and damage.
• Insects and Pests: Certain insects can feed on paper, causing irreversible damage.

Key Components of Archival Framing

Archival framing relies on several key components, each playing a vital role in protecting your print.

1. Archival Mat Board

The mat board serves as a barrier between the print and the glazing (glass or acrylic). It also provides visual spacing and enhances the presentation. However, not all mat boards are created equal. Archival mat boards are made from 100% cotton rag or wood pulp that has been chemically treated to remove acids and lignin. These are often labeled as acid-free or pH neutral. Avoid mat boards made from paper pulp, as they can contain harmful acids. When choosing a mat board, look for Conservation or Museum grade ratings.

2. Archival Backing Board

The backing board provides support and protection from the rear. Like the mat board, it should be made from acid-free and lignin-free materials. Options include archival corrugated board, foam core, or conservation board. The backing board creates a seal, helping to regulate humidity and protect against pollutants getting to the back of the art.

3. UV-Filtering Glazing (Glass or Acrylic)

Glazing is the transparent material that covers the print, protecting it from dust, pollutants, and physical damage. The most important feature for archival framing is UV protection. UV-filtering glazing blocks up to 99% of harmful UV rays, significantly slowing down fading and discoloration. Options include:

• UV-Filtering Glass: Offers excellent clarity and scratch resistance.
• UV-Filtering Acrylic (Plexiglass): Lighter than glass and shatter-resistant, making it a good choice for large or valuable prints. It’s also less reflective than glass.

4. Archival Mounting Techniques

How the print is attached within the frame is also crucial. Avoid adhesives that can yellow, dry out, or stain the print. Archival mounting techniques include:

• Linen Tape Hinging: Using acid-free linen tape to hinge the top edge of the print to the backing board. This allows the print to expand and contract with changes in humidity without buckling or tearing. Japanese paper hinges with wheat starch paste adhesive offer particularly good long-term stability and reversibility.
• Corner Pockets: Archival polyester film corners that hold the print in place without adhesives.

5. Frame Material

While the frame itself doesn’t directly affect the archival properties, it’s still important to choose a frame made from stable materials. Wood frames should be properly sealed to prevent off-gassing of harmful chemicals. Metal frames are generally a safe choice.

The Archival Framing Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

While professional framing is always recommended for valuable or delicate prints, you can undertake some archival framing techniques yourself. Here’s a simplified guide:

1. Assess the Print: Examine the print for any existing damage, such as tears, stains, or fading. Document its condition before framing.
2. Choose Archival Materials: Select mat board, backing board, and glazing that meet archival standards.
3. Cut the Mat Board: Carefully cut the mat board to the desired dimensions, ensuring a clean, beveled edge.
4. Prepare the Backing Board: Cut the backing board to the same size as the mat board.
5. Mount the Print: Use archival mounting techniques to attach the print to the backing board.
6. Assemble the Frame: Insert the glazing, mat board, print/backing board assembly, and frame backing. Seal the back with archival tape to minimize dust and pollutant entry.

Benefits of Archival Framing

Investing in archival framing offers numerous benefits. It’s more than just protecting your art; it’s preserving a piece of history, a cherished memory, or a valuable investment.

• Prolongs the Life of Your Prints: Significantly slows down deterioration, ensuring your prints last for generations.
• Protects Against Fading and Discoloration: UV-filtering glazing prevents harmful UV rays from damaging the print.
• Maintains Value: Archival framing helps maintain or even increase the value of your prints, especially limited-edition or antique pieces.
• Preserves Memories: Protects cherished family photos and important documents from damage and decay.
• Offers Peace of Mind: Knowing your prints are protected by the best possible materials and techniques provides invaluable peace of mind.

When is Archival Framing Necessary?

While archival framing offers undeniable benefits, it’s not always necessary for every print. Consider the following factors to determine if archival framing is right for you:

• Value of the Print: Valuable, rare, or limited-edition prints should always be archivally framed.
• Sentimental Value: Prints with significant sentimental value, such as family heirlooms or personal artwork, deserve the best protection.
• Exposure to Light: Prints displayed in areas with high levels of natural or artificial light are at greater risk of fading and should be archivally framed.
• Environmental Conditions: Prints stored in humid or polluted environments require archival framing to protect them from damage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with good intentions, some common mistakes can compromise the effectiveness of archival framing:

• Using Non-Archival Materials: Avoid using standard mat boards, backing boards, and tapes that contain acids or lignin.
• Using Regular Glass: Ordinary glass does not block UV rays. Always use UV-filtering glazing for archival framing.
• Overlooking Mounting Techniques: Improper mounting can damage the print over time. Use archival mounting techniques that allow for expansion and contraction.
• Failing to Seal the Frame: Sealing the back of the frame with archival tape helps prevent dust and pollutants from entering.
• Hanging Prints in Direct Sunlight: Even with UV-filtering glazing, avoid hanging prints in direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure can still cause damage.

Beyond Framing: Additional Preservation Tips

Archival framing is a crucial step, but it’s just one part of a comprehensive preservation strategy.

• Control Environmental Conditions: Maintain a stable temperature and humidity level in your home or storage area. Ideally, aim for a temperature between 65-75°F (18-24°C) and a relative humidity between 40-60%.
• Proper Storage: If you’re not displaying your prints, store them in acid-free folders or boxes in a cool, dark, and dry place.
• Handle with Care: Always handle prints with clean, dry hands or wear cotton gloves to prevent transferring oils and dirt.
• Regular Inspection: Periodically inspect your framed prints for any signs of damage, such as fading, discoloration, or mold growth.

Finding an Archival Framing Professional

For valuable or irreplaceable prints, seeking the expertise of a professional archival framer is highly recommended. Look for framers who have experience working with archival materials and techniques and who are members of professional organizations like the Professional Picture Framers Association (PPFA). A skilled framer can assess your prints, recommend the appropriate materials and techniques, and ensure that the framing is done properly to protect your investment. [internal_link] They can also guide decisions based on the specifics of the art (paper type, media, condition) and your budget.

Conclusion: Protecting Your Legacy

Archival framing is more than just a method; it’s a commitment to preserving art, memories, and history. By understanding the principles of archival framing and investing in the right materials and techniques, you can ensure that your treasured prints will be enjoyed for generations to come. It’s a thoughtful act of stewardship, safeguarding your pieces against the inevitable march of time and the elements, allowing their stories and beauty to continue resonating with future eyes.