Many people who start collecting art have one major concern: how can I protect this piece and ensure it stays in good condition over the years? Although you can take several preventative measures, the simple solution is to choose the right frame and framing accessories. For more information, here’s everything you need to know about preserving and protecting your artwork.
The Importance of Framing Artwork
Adding a frame has several benefits, from short-term aesthetics to long-term preservation. Some of the biggest advantages of custom framing include the following:
Aesthetics
Choosing a frame that complements your art can also help enhance the overall aesthetics of the piece. Whether you’re looking to frame a photograph or an acrylic painting, frames can be chosen based on the look and feel you want to curate when setting up your gallery wall.
Personalization
Choosing a frame allows you to personalize your artwork, making it uniquely yours. The frame can reflect your taste, the style of the room where the artwork will be displayed, or even the era or mood of the artwork itself.
Protection
Custom-framed art is better protected than unframed art, especially if finished with a glaze. It can reduce the risk of potential damage from moisture, insects, UV rays from sunlight, and even acid, which can be present in many store-bought mounting accessories. Even without a protective covering, the frame can provide a suitable display that helps make the artwork less vulnerable to damage over the years.
Preservation
Beyond protection, framing also plays a crucial role in the long-term preservation of artwork. High-quality frames and archival materials help prevent art degradation over time. Acid-free mats, UV-protective glass, and proper mounting techniques can also contribute to the piece’s longevity, ensuring that colors remain vibrant, and materials stay intact.
How Do Custom Frames Protect Your Art?
One of the most important things to remember when collecting art is that it’s an investment that deserves a little extra protection. However, you don’t have to be an archivist to ensure your art stays in good condition. Custom framing options can offer plenty of protection.
Framing
Custom framing is tailored for your artwork, ensuring it’s securely held in place and shielded from potential environmental hazards. The frame also acts as a physical barrier, protecting the edges of the artwork from accidental bumps, dust, and other contaminants. High-quality materials used in custom frames, such as wood or metal, offer durability and stability, preventing warping or bending over time.
Matboard
Choosing the right matting can also help protect your art in various ways. High-quality, acid-free mating acts as a buffer, preventing the art from touching the glass. This can help reduce the risk of discoloration, moisture buildup, and more.
Glaze Options
Adding a glaze can keep external elements out while providing several additional benefits. Glaze options like UV-protective glass or acrylic can shield the art from harmful ultraviolet rays, which can cause fading and deterioration over time. Non-glare or anti-reflective glazing can reduce reflections, allowing the artwork to be viewed clearly while still offering protection. Opting for a museum-grade glaze can provide the highest level of protection, ensuring that your artwork remains vibrant and well-preserved for years to come.
Other Tips to Ensure Artwork Preservation and Protection Over the Years
A frame is one of the best ways to keep your art protected, but there are a few other steps and precautions to take if you want to ensure long-term preservation. Some of the most important tips include the following:
Choose the Right Place to Display Your Art
Even with high-quality frames and museum-grade glaze options, choosing the right location for your gallery or display is essential. Avoid placing the art in direct sunlight, as without UV-filtering glass, the piece may not stay in good condition with the heat from the light. If you don’t have this glaze, UV light damage will contribute to fading and deterioration over time. So, for stronger peace of mind and to extend the longevity of your framed art, choose a place where you can control the light exposure.
Manage Temperature and Humidity
Damages caused by high temperatures or humidity levels include mold growth, warping, and discoloration. Although you don’t necessarily need to have the same systems as museums, a few conservation efforts go a long way. If you live in an area prone to extreme weather, try to keep the area where your art is kept at a constant setting throughout the year.
Handle Everything with Care
Any time you move your artwork, it’s important to hold it by the framed edges and support the back or barrier to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on the art itself. For large or heavy pieces, enlist help so you don’t damage your art by accidentally dropping it or bumping it into some furniture.
Check for Signs of Damage and Make Repairs
Anytime the artwork is moved, or the frame is altered, it’s important to check for any signs of damage. Loose or discolored matting, deteriorating backing, or damage to the frame should be addressed as soon as possible to safeguard your cherished pieces.
Hire a Professional Art Installer
While the concept of hanging a piece of art on the wall is quite simple, the execution requires careful attention to detail. Hanging custom frames and important artwork often requires hardware beyond just putting a nail on the wall. So, to ensure you preserve your art without damaging it, always work with a professional art installer to help you make the most of your investment.
Peterson Picture Co. has you covered to help ensure that your artwork is protected and preserved. We offer custom framing options and are happy to help with art curation, delivery, and installation. So, if you’re ready for high-quality craftsmanship, cost-effectiveness, and a partner dedicated to transforming your vision into reality, Peterson Pictures Co. is here to help. Contact us today and experience the difference of framing with passion and precision.