The Starving Artist
Answers and Information
Answers to your Art and Framing Questions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Custom Framing.
The following are the most commonly asked questions
1) The Frame --What is its job?
The frame must first enhance the artwork, by choosing the right color shape, and style of frame moulding. Then we match it to your environment, taste and décor.
2) When is a mat appropriate?
Mats were invented to keep the artwork from being in contact with the glass and gradually improved in quality. (Glass condensates and the moisture would seep directly into the artwork/paper, causing irreparable damage). Mats create breathing space between the image and frame.
3) How should a painting be cleaned?
An oil or acrylic painting on canvas should be cleaned by a professional every ten years or so to remove any dirt, grease, smoke that accumulates over the years. The “restorer” can then also check the painting for other damages such as cracking and “blooming”.
(Blooming is basically a result of moisture building up on the painting. It if occurs on top of the varnished surface, you may be able to remove it with a clean and slightly moist rag. If it is below the surface, you would need to remove the layer of varnish first and attempt to clear up the bloom.)
The varnish may have to be removed and a new coat applied, to freshen the painting up. Canvases should be kept dust free with either a very soft brush or soft cloth to ensure you do not damage the texture.
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4) How to clean glass in frame picture?
To clean glass on a framed piece, always spray the Windex® type cleaner on a lint free cloth or paper towel. Never spray directly on the glass as it will run into the frame and dampen and damage the mat.
5) What is museum framing?
“Museum” or conservation framing means making sure than any materials used in the process are acid-free (PH neutral). Only (cotton) rag board should be used for matting and backing. The artwork should never be permanently mounted but rather hinged to a 2 or 4 ply rag board, and then backed by acid-free foam board.
Only acid free hinges (Japanese paper and rice starch or mylar pockets) can be used; no masking tape should be used anywhere in the process. Glass should be either UV filtered or Anti-Reflection plus UV filter.
The artwork should be kept dust free regularly and cleaned inside every 10 years or so to remove dust build up under the glass and to check for any insects.
6) What is acid-free paper?
Acid-free paper is paper that when infused in water yields a neutral or basic pH (7 or slightly greater). This is ideal paper for archival or conservation framing.
7) What is conservation framing?
Conservation framing, also known as archival farming, is to use methods and materials that ensure the object being framed is protected from harmful environmental factors, while not compromising its conditions or integrity. Only reversible methods of mounting or hinging are used.
The Starving Artist offers the highest level of conservation framing. We are trained in handling art with the utmost attention and care.
We would be happy to discuss your preservation options with you.
When do we recommend conservation (or archival) framing. We always use it when the item being framed has sentimental , non-replaceable or monetary value to preserve them for future generations
8) What environmental factors are harmful to artwork?
There are four primary factors including light, heat and humidity, moisture, dirt and dust.
The following is a brief summary.
Light
Any amount of light is damaging to artwork over time. UV-rays from natural AND fluorescent light sources will cause color to fade. Over time a chemical reaction will cause paper to break down and become brittle.
Heat and Humidity
Warm and moist conditions will invite the growth of mold and bacteria. Framed artwork should be kept away from sources of heat or water.
Moisture
If the artwork is subjected to radical changes in temperature or humidity, moisture in the form of condensation can collect inside the frame. Therefore glass should never touch the artwork.
Dirt and Dust
Pollution combined with moisture in the environment can form acids that will cause damage to works on paper.
9) Elements of Conservation Framing.
There are four elements in conservation framing: glass, matting, mounting and hinging, and backing.
GLASS
UV filtered glass is essential in conservation. It is also available with anti-reflection coating to reduce glare and provide clarity for the viewer.
Mats
The best and proven choice in conservation framing is 100% acid-free cotton rag board.
Mounting and Hinging
The artwork should be hinged with acid-free free hinges such as Japanese paper and rice starch. The quality must be sufficient to adequately support the weight of the artwork. Any mounting or hinging method should be reversible and not cause discoloration to the artwork over time.
Backing Boards
All backing boards used should be acid-free and archival as well as stable and rigid.
Mats and Liners – Custom Framing Options
When should you use a mat?
Mats are used in framing things like artwork, documents, photos and more.
When mounting is not an option to maintain the integrity of the artwork, matting is a great solution for holding it in place within the frame.
When to choose a mat over a liner
MAT:
If you use a mat you must also use glass. Much like some images that require glass, mats require glass to protect them as well.
LINER:
A liner is a wood profile covered with fabric which is typically made of linen but can be custom covered in any fabric. It is used like a mat and placed around the image. It is ideal to use a
liner for artwork that does not require glass like oil paintings on canvas, wood or tiles. Liners are typically used for aesthetic purposes.
Practical Benefits of a Mat
Mats were created to keep the glass from direct contact with the artwork such paintings, photographs, and documents. (Glass condensates and the moisture would seep directly into the artwork/paper, causing irreparable damage). Mats are available in a variety of qualities from regular mats to museum quality archival cotton rag mats.
They also increase the overall finished size of the image.
Aesthetic Benefits of a Mat
The mat will create breathing (visual) space between the image and the frame, increasing to overall size of the piece.
Mounting
We use only the most up to date mounting processes from reversible and irreversible techniques.
Mounting Techniques
Irreversible techniques are wet mounting, dry mounting and PSA (Pressure Sensitive Adhesive film).
Conservation Options
In conservation/archival framing the process must be reversible using either archival pockets or archival hinges and rice starch/paste.
Glazing or Glass
Why do you use them? Harmful UV rays in any light can damage artwork.
Glass can provide UV Protection and Reflection Control
What you need to know when choosing your glass. (Acrylic Glazing)
In a frame, glass is your shield against the elements. It stands in the way of the environment, dust, dirt, insects. For years, the framing industry concentrated on the production of PH neutral (acid free) materials for use in archival framing. Meanwhile, much damage was done to artwork by exposure to UV rays in light. No matter where your art is located, there are harmful UV rays in any light that will damage it if unprotected.
There are four factors to consider when selecting glass:
1)The value of the art (monetary or sentimental)
2) UV protection for the artwork
3) Clear or Reflection control
4) Value or the Price
Combinations of UV protection and reflection control are available at different levels and at different price points.
What Types of Artwork Need Glass? (acrylic glazing)
Glass is used to protect anything that will damage if left uncovered.
For example, watercolor paintings, diplomas, photographs will all need glass to cover them.
Paintings on canvas or wood coated with a UV varnish may be left open to the air.
Glass Choices For Your Framing Needs
The Starving Artist offers all types of glass available on the market today.
Please feel free to ask which glass type is most suitable for your work and environment.
The Best Option: Museum Glass
Museum glass provides the highest quality in protection and clarity.
Key features include: 99% UV filter and perfect clarity with anti-reflection.
Anti-Reflection Glass
The UV filters range from 65-97% depending on manufacturer.
The higher the percentage the better. Anti-reflection will ensure perfect clarity.
Conservation Clear
It provides 99% UV filter. Note: there is no reflection control.
Conservation Non-glare
It provides 99% UV filter, however, the etched glass reduces glare but has a cloudy look.
Regular Glass
It only provides 46% natural UV rejection and there is no reflection control.
Acrylic (sometimes called - Plexi-glass)
If safety, breakage, weight or size are a concern, Acrylic (Plexi) is an option.
Acrylic is available in regular, UV filtered and anti-reflection Acrylic can therefore be placed directly on the artwork.
Acrylic is not affected by room temperature, hence you will not get any Moisture inside the frame.
However, it scratches easily and requires a special cleaner to prevent it from becoming cloudy.
Upgrade the Glass in Your Existing Frames
Always replace with the best glass for your artwork. UV filtering glass will protect and help preserve your artwork.
