FramingFraming is primarily a means of protecting an item that is to be displayed, in a way that brings out the best in the item aesthetically. You can extend the life of the item you wish to frame and enhance the protection it receives by following a few simple guidelines. The Frame By providing protection from UV light, moisture, dust and insect attacks, framing can reduce the risk of potential damage to the item. It will also protect against damage from abrasion, tearing and knocks. If it is to provide an object with the best possible protection, the frame should consist of the following: Moulding – this is the edge and is usually made of timber, aluminium or plastic. It should be sturdy enough to give the frame rigidity Glazing – the clear covering material, usually glass or acrylic. This provides protection against dust, atmospheric changes and pollutants and wear. Depending on the kind used, the glazing can also provide protection from light damage. The glazing should never tough the work Mat – a border, usually of card, that lies between the object and the glazing. The mat allows space between the glazing and the object so it can expand and contract with changes in environmental conditions Backing board/Mount – this lies between the frame backing and the object and supports the object from behind. Frame backing – this provides the frame with rigidity and protection from the back. Glazing Acrylic (Perspex, Plexiglass) can reduce the amount of UV light transmitted if it contains a UV absorber and will not shatter if the framed work is dropped. It can, however, build up an electrostatic charge making it unsuitable for chalk, pastels or charcoal works. It can also be easily scratched. In recent years a product named Tru Vue conservation glass has become available. It promises a 97% reduction in UV transmission. Objects Metals, coins, weapons and so on can be framed successfully by holding them with stitches or small clips to an acid-free backing board. They require a very deep rebate (shadow-box) frame. Fabrics These are usually examples of needlework or garments. The holding mechanism to use is a few stitches attaching the work to its fabric backing. The stitching thread should be weaker than the object in order to reduce damage if it is dropped. Small items can be stitched to a rag mat board, but larger objects need to be on a stretcher. The artwork should be stitched to a neutral backing material which is then attached to the stretcher so the backing, not the artwork, takes the strain. An inert fabric such as calico or Terylene, well-washed and dried before use, makes a suitable backing material. A 100% rag mat board covers the backing fabric and keeps the work from the glazing. The back of the stretcher should be protected by a backing board. Easel paintings Oils, acrylics and works on canvas have two timber structures, the visible external frames and the unseen stretcher supporting the painting itself. Any movement of the stretcher can damage the work. Cotton canvas can sag or buckle in response to changes in temperature or humidity. Keys or wedges in the corner joints can be used to adjust the dimensions of the stretcher rather than restretching the canvas. Western red cedar is the most suitable timber for stretchers. Cross-bracing should be used on large canvasses. Every effort should be made to keep a frame made or commissioned by an artist as it is considered an integral part of the artwork. If a new frame is necessary for an old work, examples from the period can often be found in the state gallery – a selection can then be made from current catalogues or framers’ displays. Framing tips for artworks: Line the rebate with acid-free board to prevent damage to the paint surface Never nail or firmly fix the stretcher to the frame, it should be held in place by brass mirror plates or brackets attached to the frame only Separate glazing from the surface of the work Attach a backing board to the frame to keep out dust, insects and mould Use acid-free corrugated board such as Perma Dur, Fome-Cor or Corflute Ordinary cardboard is acidic and unsuitable for use Paper and photographs All paper-borne art requires a mount and a window mat between it and glazing. Both mat and mount should be made of 100% ragboard or Alpha-rag which is acid-, alum- and lignin-free. Ordinary mat-boards contain lignin and alum which are acidic. This acid can migrate to the artwork causing staining and discolouration. Photographs do not benefit from an alkaline backing and are better with a neutral 100% rag mounting board. Rising USA produce a special neutral ragboard for mounting photographs. The overriding consideration in conservation framing techniques is not to damage or alter the works in any way and for techniques to be completely reversible. Any method involving adhering the work permanently to its mount is to be avoided. So-called dry mounting, cold mounting and heat-activated glues are unsuitable. So are self-adhesive strips or double-sided tapes which contain solvents which adversely affect paper. The only safe and time-tested method of mounting is to use Japanese mulberry paper hinges and starch paste. Ready-pasted rolls of acid-free paper are very easy to use to make hinges and are readily available for purchase. Lineco make a museum mounting kit which contains hinge and paste material with complete instructions. Hinges Hinges should be of a lighter weight than the work so that if the mounted work is dropped then the hinge and not the work will tear. Hinges are easily removed as is the water soluble starch paste. Hinges should be made by wet tearing a narrow strip from a sheet of mulberry paper. This gives a feathered edge which is less obvious under a work than a cut edge. Use a small amount of paste and weight the hinge down for at least an hour. Starch paste: Dissolve one level teaspoon of rice starch in 1/8th cup of cold water making sure there are no lumps Heat in a double boiler, constantly stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes clear Cool and use. The mixture will keep in the fridge for 2-3 days. Discard if it smells or becomes runny. Final notes For better security wall fittings should be screwed not nailed Avoid displaying in environments which have fluctuating temperature or humidity such as outside walls, above heaters, near an outside door, in a kitchen or bathroom, in direct or reflected sunlight or under bright artificial light or in direct line with a heater, airflow or air conditioner. If using a commercial framer, always specify your exact needs and never assume other people are aware of conservation requirements. A reputable commercial framer should offer a regular inspection service of their work as no mount or mat can last forever, particularly in coastal Australian climates. References and further reading: Museums Australia Inc (NSW), Museum Methods, A Practical Manual for Managing Small Museums, Preventive conservation Section 4.11 Framing Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Material (AICCM), ReCollections Library of Congress, Preservation Guidelines for Matting and Framing Institute of Conservation (ICON), Conservation mounting & framing of works on paper