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We've assembled this page in response to some of the most commonly asked questions about framing.

What is "conservation" glass?

This is a method of framing in which the objective is to preserve the object for future generations. Conservation framing means that a work has been framed using all acid-free materials throughout the work from the backing-board and mats to the hinge tape.

What does "acid-free" mean?

Acid-free refers to framing and art supplies manufactured using materials that are acid-free or inert and do not break down releasing damaging gases. However, when it concerns mats, not all acid-free supplies are created equal. At Picture Frame Warehouse, we use the framing industries most advanced mat product called Alphamat Artcare, manufactured by Nielsen and Bainbridge. Alphamat products not only meet museum standards like other acid-free products but outperform them as well. Through the use of a revolutionary paper manufacturing process, Alphamat Artcare mats keep air-borne pollutants away from your art by trapping them and neutralizing them.

How Can I Tell If My Art is Damaged By Acid-Based Materials?

Using acid-based adhesives, tapes, backing boards or mats in a frame will over time release damaging gases inside the frame. These acids will create permanent burn stains on paper that are plainly visible.

What is a "Fine Art Print?"

In strict terms, a "fine art" print is any print made by the artist, or made under the artist's direct supervision and signed by him or her. These include numbered serigraphs, etchings, collotypes, woodblock prints and many other forms of print-making. However, due to the small production number, many limited edition posters, although commercially produced and not signed are also considered "fine art prints." Fine art treatment should also be extended to commercial prints which, through their age, have acquired the status of "collectors" items or "antiques."

What is a "Giclee" print?

Giclee (pronounced zhee-clay) printing is a method of image reproduction that is poised to replace lithography. This revolutionary new process uses advanced high resolution digital scanning and cutting-edge printers to produce art reproductions of amazing clarity, detail and texture. These prints must be seen to be believed.

Do I Have to Mat and Use Glass with Art on Paper?

Yes. Because paper is easy to permanently damage or mar. It has to be protected. Matting also keeps the artwork from coming into contact with the glass. This is especially important for works that are signed in ink or pencil.

Why Shouldn't Paper Lay Against the Glass?

The difference in temperature between the outside and the inside of the frame often causes the glass to perspire on the inside. This moisture may damage the inks and colours, it can also furnish a foothold of fungi, and open the door to mildew and foxing the paper. Direct contact with the glass is also very damaging to drawings done with pencil, charcoal or conté crayon. If you are interested in researching some of the terms used here such as foxing, visit the Canadian Conservation Institute for a glossary of artcare conservation terms. The CGI site also has a wide range of information related to caring for old photographs, works of art, and antiques of all sorts.

Is There Any Way that Paper Artwork May Be Framed Without A Mat?

Yes, you can inserts fillets of rag matboard, strips of balsa wood or acrylic frame spacer, under the rabbet of the frame to keep glass and the picture separated.

What is UV Glass?

Conservation glass is special glass that blocks out ultraviolet rays. UV rays are damaging to any art object with ink, paint, charcoal or pencil. In particular, works of art on paper (especially) photos, are prone to significant damage, as the paper as well as the media used in the art is damaged. UV glass should be used on anything that receives light exposure of any kind, especially direct or indirect sunlight.

Can Creases be Taken Out of Posters and Prints that Have Been Rolled?

Although there is little that can be done after the fibers in paper have been broken, we can place the poster or print in our mounting press. Under pressure and heat, most of the creases will be eliminated or significantly flattened. The best solution is to store posters and prints flat, not rolled.

Have a question? Let us know by emailing us here.