Conservation Standard

The Fine Art Trade Guild details its 5 levels of framing standards.  All our frames are made with materials to meet conservation standard which means the artwork will be protected for about 20 years and the framing process is entirely reversible if ever required.  After this time contaminants and pollutants may begin to permeate through the frame and mountboard via the air, walls and environment. It is then worth visiting a picture framer to see whether a new frame is required.

This is all in comparison to Commended standard framing and below which isn't guaranteed to be reversible and should be only be expected to protect for 5 years.

The manufacture and design of mountboard is of great importance being the one of the only materials actually touching your artwork and it is essential they comply to conservation standards.  All our boards are neutral pH, lingin free and acid free.  Boards range in thickness from 1400micron to extra thick 4100micron for a stunning deep bevel.

Conservation boards have a buffered surface and paper backing to guard against airboune acid based contaminants. The boards are available in a variety of colours with a white core as well as a small range with alternative coloured cores including black.  We also have a popular but small range of solidcore boards, where the board colour is maintained throughout the bevel.

For precious and valuable artwork we can also offer museum standard board made from 100% cotton rag.

A mounted or floated artwork is backed for further protection with an acid free barrier board and backing. It is then sealed with a paper tape, which protects the artwork from moisture while allowing an exchange of air.

Tthe process of attaching works on paper to a backing board is known as "hinging". Depending on the weight of the paper on which the artwork is made, an appropriate hinge is chosen that will support the piece without restricting its natural movement over time. Our adhesives are also acid free and reversible.