5 Secret tips to preserve framed pictures

Jul 15
10:15

2016

John Martin D'souza

John Martin D'souza

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As we all know that a picture frame is an important element for our artwork. So it becomes important to take care of our picture frame too because ultimatly we are increasing the life span of our precious picture and frame. Before buying any picture frame we should take care of material of frame, sealing of glass-boards, moisture barrier layer, cork bumpers, protection from UV-rays.

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A well-designed picture frame made from the top quality material can protect your artwork for years. Most of the problems that arises with picture frame is due to the poor quality raw materials that has been used to make it. Choosing the right picture frame is good but preserving it also essential so that it adds value to your artwork. You can protect your framed pictures by following the given conservation tips.

 

1. High-quality mount board:- Being the material which is directly in contact with the artwork,5 Secret tips to preserve framed pictures Articles mount board has to be of top quality. The low-quality wood-pulp is harmful to works on paper as it can cause dark stains. These days acid-free mount board made from chemically purified wood-pulp is available. There are various range of colors which can be chosen according to the color of your artwork.

 

2. Ultraviolet-filtering glazing:- Since your artwork will be displayed, harmful elements like ultraviolet rays can damage it. By using filtering glazing you can minimize the harmful effects of the direct light damages. Though much useful, it is not such an expensive option as various framers give ultraviolet-filtering glazing options with extra features such as low-reflect surface coatings, water-white light transmittance and scratch resistant acrylics at affordable rates.

 

3. Sealing of glass and backboards:- The proper sealing of glass and backboards is very important for long life of your artwork. You should use acid-free gummed tape as it not only keep the dust away but also helps in humidity control within the frame. Besides protecting your frame from natural damages, it also protects it from various insects that may damage it. Proper sealing will ensure that your frame and artwork both are protected from all natural and human damages.

 

4. Moisture barrier layer:- Protecting your artwork from moisture is very important as it can bring irrevocable damages to your artwork. MDF or hardboard are usually used as a layer behind the artwork, though good these still allows moisture to some extent. A sheet of aluminium foil can be added between the backboard and the mount to provide a complete moisture barrier for your artwork.

 

5. Cork bumpers:- The hanging of the artwork is also equally important for proper protection of your artwork. The mould is damaged on the back of the frames due to improper hanging. You can attach round slices of cork with PVA adhesive towards the lower corners of the back of the frame which will keep the backboard away from the wall. Since there will be a flow of air behind it, mould spores will not settle.

 

If you will consider all these factors carefully you would be in a better position to choose the framing material that best suits your custom picture frame. There are many picture framers like Michaels, FrameBridge, PaintBoxNolita, etc who can further help you on account of their years of expertise in choosing the best framing material for your frame. You can select from the various custom picture framing material like Plastic, Veneer, Metal, etc. All you have to do is to follow your gut feeling and choose the best material for your artwork. Choosing the most appropriate framing material to custom frame any piece of artwork, you will not only help in preserving it, but you will also ensure that your framed art is enhanced both in its look and life-span.