Custom Framing Guide for Artwork

A few framing tips – To help with proper selections on framing your artwork.

Daybreak at Edgmont Finished and Framed by Maureen's Gallery
“Daybreak at Edgmont” framed by Maureen’s Gallery

First, consider what type of art that you purchased. If it is an Open Edition or unlimited print, you may want to consider a less expensive framing package. If it is a Signed Limited Edition Print, you may want to consider a more specialized framing package. When framing an Original piece of artwork, or any one of a kind piece of art, then you should consider conservation framing.

Most framing packages consist of the following items:

  • MOULDING -This any type of frame that surrounds your artwork; Wood, Metal, plastic etc.
  • MAT BOARD, This is a paper product that separates the artwork from the glazing material. It is also used to enhance or decorate your artwork. There are (2) main types of Mat Board:

ACID FREE MAT— is a paper product that has been chemically treated to remove the acids that are present in wood pulp paper. In time these chemicals can cause the bevel-cut edge of the mat board to discolor, and it will damage the artwork by causing an ( ACID BURN ). This is low cost mat board.

RAG MAT— Is a paper product that has no wood pulp. It is composed of cotton rag, and is therefore acid free in its makeup. This product should be used any time you want to preserve the artwork for a lifetime and beyond. There are many names for RAG BOARD, just remember that it is produced from rags and not wood pulp. This quality product is more costly than Acid Free Mat Board.

  • BACKING BOARD— this product is normally called foam core. It comes in basically two types, acid  free and regular. My feeling is that the regular board is 0k for most applications. I will use the acid free board on some occasions. If someone is doing a conservation framing job I will use the acid free foam board. The acid free product is more costly than the regular.
  • GLAZING – this can be regular glass, conservation u v glass, non- glare glass, Plexiglas or museum quality glass. When “paper art” is subjected to any type of strong light it eventually will be damaged. UV glass can help reduce the effect of light damage. Some types of non- glare glass will give the illusion that there is no glass present. It also helps reduce reflections. Plexiglas is lighter in weight but more costly, and in time can scratch and or turn color.
    ( IMPORTANT )–The artwork should not touch the glazing.
  • DUST COVER – the dust cover protects the artwork from dirt and possibly bugs from getting to the art work. It is normally kraft paper.
  • HANGING DEVICES— The hanging devices is usually a wire that permits the hanging of the artwork.

Nick Santoleri ~ Artist  |   Pine Ridge Productions, Inc.
1515 West Chester Pike Unit A-6, West Chester, PA 19382
In Historic Chester County, Pennsylvania