Resources
Framing Guide
How to frame and preserve artwork. A well-chosen frame protects, preserves, and enhances a piece — ensuring it endures for decades while complementing its visual intent. This guide outlines best practices for museum-grade, conservation framing.
Moulding
The moulding defines both the aesthetic and structural character of a frame. Museum-quality mouldings are typically crafted from hardwood or metal, while veneer provides a refined, cost-effective alternative popular among galleries and collectors.
Materials
Profiles
Most gallery-standard frames range from ¾ to 1 inch in face width for works up to 30 × 40 inches. Slim profiles create a subtle border, while deeper or more ornate mouldings suit larger or more dramatic pieces. Classical profiles — often seen on Banksy or Old Master–inspired editions — offer a more traditional aesthetic and are a matter of personal preference.
Glazing — Glass vs. Acrylic
Proper glazing shields artwork from dust, humidity, and UV light. UV-filtering acrylic (plexiglass) has become the preferred standard for museums and galleries: it is lighter, shatter-resistant, and provides superior UV protection compared with traditional glass — safer for shipping and easier to handle at scale.
Options
Recommendation
For most collectors, 99% UV acrylic offers optimal protection and presentation. In bright spaces, Optium minimizes reflection. Always avoid direct sunlight.
Mounting & Conservation
Mounting methods directly affect the long-term preservation of artworks. Only reversible, conservation-safe techniques should be used — allowing future removal without damage.
Collector’s note
Avoid dry mounting limited editions — reversible hinging preserves both the integrity and the market value of the work.
Mats & Spacers
Mats and spacers provide breathing room and physical separation between the artwork and the glazing.
Mat types
Color choices
Avoid matting works printed to the paper’s edge — covering inked margins can cause uneven fading or mat burn.
Float mounting
Float mounting reveals the artwork’s full edges, creating a shadow gap between the piece and the backing board — a ½-inch reveal for modern presentation, 1–2 inches for larger works.
Plexiboxes
Plexiboxes — acrylic boxes — offer a clean, sculptural presentation favored for screen prints, photographs, and contemporary works. Constructed entirely from UV-filtering acrylic, they are lightweight, durable, and visually unobtrusive. Each is custom-fabricated with UV protection, ventilation depth, and structural stability.
Best for
Care & Maintenance
Proper care keeps framing materials in pristine condition.
Hanging Systems
The appropriate hanging system depends on size and weight. Always ensure hardware is properly anchored and weight-rated.
Environmental Standards
Use only acid-free, lignin-free, and UV-protective materials. Avoid adhesives, spray mounts, or heat-based processes — framing should always remain fully reversible.
Display conditions
Inspect works annually for warping, condensation, or fading — early detection prevents damage. For anything beyond surface dust, speak to a conservator before intervening.
Glossary of Framing Terms
- Archival
- Materials meeting conservation standards for longevity and chemical stability.
- Float Mount
- Artwork mounted above the backing board to show its full edges.
- Hinge Mount
- Reversible mounting using Japanese paper and wheat starch paste.
- Mat Burn
- Discoloration from acidic mats or uneven light exposure.
- Moulding
- The outer frame material providing structure.
- Museum Acrylic
- UV-filtering, anti-reflective glazing used by museums.
- Spacer
- Material that keeps the artwork from touching the glazing.
- UV Protection
- Filtration blocking ultraviolet light to prevent fading.