What is Conservation Framing?

Conservation Framing

Conservation Framing (sometimes called Preservation or Archival Framing) refers to the materials and techniques used by picture framers to frame valued art and objects to the highest standard. From matboards to glass to the paper cover on the back of the frame, today’s framers can provide a variety of specialized products and methods to display art and objects in the best possible environment.

As in any skilled craft, each professional framer develops an individual style of Conservation Framing, but there are a few principles generally regarded as standard:

• All materials used in the framing should be stable, non-staining, and acid-free.
• All attachments used to support art or objects in the frame must be completely reversible, with no harm to the art or objects.
• If glass is used in the framing, there must be space between the art and the glass.

What deserves Conservation Framing? Anything being framed that has value to its owner. This might be fine art or investment art, or it may be a family heirloom. It may be a college degree—or it may be a child’s crayon drawing of a sunny day.

Conservation Framing helps to preserve the value and condition of the framed art and objects you display in your home or office, and it usually doesn’t cost much more than standard framing. Ask your framer about conservation services any time you have something framed that is valuable to you.