FRAMING
Appropriate framing of artwork--especially artwork on paper--carries with it careful consideration of several factors. We make it our responsibility to advise clients of the options open to them so that they can make informed decisions about this important aspect of owning artwork.
MOLDINGS
Our molding resources are extensive, and we have corner samples of hundreds of profiles--wood, metal, combination materials, and (a very new material) extruded plastic--in classic, decorative, sculpted, painted, hand carved, antique designs. The possibilities are literally endless. Our consultation will narrow for you the vast range of molding possibilities to those few that will perfectly present without distracting from the artwork itself.
MATS
Artwork on paper is sensitive to many environmental factors including temperature, humidity, light, and airborne particulate. Framing is done in part to protect the color, clarity and integrity of a piece. Of course, materials used to frame artwork also respond to environmental factors, the matboard being the most visible. There are four grades of matboard: museum, alpha, white core, and paper, the distinction being acidity or pH factor. Paper mats, having the highest pH factor, begin to discolor almost immediately, most noticeably at the bevel next to the artwork. In fact, invisible damage can occur under the mat where acidic "foxing" denigrates the high quality paper upon which the artwork has been created. We always specify acid-free matboard and foamcore backing to completely eliminate these problems.
MOUNTS
The concerns of proper matting extend also to mounting fine art pieces. With works created on paper, taping is usually done in the upper corners only, allowing freedom of the work to expand and contract in changing air quality. If inferior tape is used, moisture in the air will eventually loosen its connection with the backing, and the artwork will sag on one side, or completely separate and fall several inches behind its mat.
Even with less expensive open edition posters we vacuum mount to acid-free foamcore with a low pH adhesive that prevents bubbling and discoloration.
UV GLASS
When strong light is a factor in the placement of artwork, we recommend UV glass to protect intense color from the inevitable fading caused by the sun and other common light sources.
