Our other information page:
What does the term 'acid-free' really mean? |
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The maintenance of the frame is crucial to the ongoing health of the artwork.
Inferior framing materials and techniques can do serious harm to your artwork.
In fact, a great percentage of damage to artworks that conservators encounter is
caused by detrimental framing materials.
Using our simple health check will help you to determine whether the framing materials are still providing adequate support and
protection for your artwork or whether they need attention and updating.
Artworks can in most cases be re-framed into their existing frames provided the internal depth of these frames offers enough space for the new
materials to be fitted in. The artwork and the frame often represent a unit that you will
want to preserve. This is simply done by updating the materials such as matboards, protective glazing, backing boards and
hanging supports. This provides the artwork with a healthy stable environment once again while allowing you to keep the look
or the design. Old mat designs and decorations can be recreated such as watercolour washlines or gilded elements on matboard.
Checking your framed artwork for developing damage or potentially harmful framing materials will help prolong the life of your valued items.
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Take your framed artwork off the wall for a closer inspection.
From the front, please check the following: |
| Are there any spots or discolouration visible on the artwork? |
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Yes |
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No |
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| Are there any colours fading in the artwork? |
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Yes |
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No |
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| Does the bevel on the matboard appear yellow/brown in colour? |
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Yes |
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No |
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| Does the surface of the matboard show spots or discoloration? |
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Yes |
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No |
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| Does the artwork appear to have slipped behind the window mat? |
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Yes |
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No |
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| Are there signs of the glass not being clean on the inside? |
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Yes |
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No |
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| Are the corners of the frame separating and not securely joined? |
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Yes |
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No |
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| Does the glass show any visible cracks? |
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Yes |
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No |
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| Can you see any other signs that could indicate frame deterioration? |
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Yes |
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No |
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| Now, turn it around and inspect the back: |
| Is there any visible discolouration or staining on the back of the frame? |
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Yes |
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No |
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| Is there any tape starting to lift away from the back? |
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Yes |
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No |
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| Are there visible signs of insect infestation? |
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Yes |
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No |
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| Are the hangers and the wire/cord coming loose or showing signs of stress? |
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Yes |
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No |
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| Is the frame hanging on the wall without sufficient space for air circulation behind it? |
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Yes |
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No |
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| Are there any other signs on the back that could indicate frame deterioration? |
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Yes |
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No |
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While you have to artwork off the wall, take this opportunity to inspect the hanging fixture in the wall
to see, whether it is still attached securely.
All questions in this health-check can be regarded as critical to the life of your framed artworks.
If you have ticked the Yes box to any of these questions, it is advisable to bring the framed artwork
to us for an inspection and assessment.
What are detrimental framing materials?
To find out, read
our information page "What does the term 'acid free' really mean?" |
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| 100% cotton rag boards or alpha cellulose boards
are the only safe choice. |
| Choosing acrylic (Perspex) glazing has got many advantages such as it being lightweigt,
not prone to breaking, not having a colour cast, filtering harmful UV rays as well as not attracting condensation and therefore
not encouraging mould growth in your frame. |
| Fluted polypropylene such as CoreFlute acts as a moisture barrier and is a
rigid, impact resistant and lightweight backing for frames. |
| Strong D-rings fixed with screws, coated stainless steel wire that is securely crimped
with metal sleeves and felted bump-ons allowing for air circulation between the frame and the wall all make up a good combination of hanging materials. |
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