Conservation Framing

When it comes to artwork, memories, and heirlooms, it's not just about displaying them beautifully — it's about preserving them for generations. Whether it's a vintage poster, a cherished family photograph, or an original painting, conservation framing is the gold standard for keeping your pieces safe from the ravages of time.

In this article, we’ll explore what conservation framing is, why it matters, how we do it at Frame Today, and the long-term benefits of choosing conservation archival framing and museum quality framing.

Why Protect Your Artwork with Conservation Frames?

Time, light, moisture, pollutants, and even improper framing materials can damage or destroy artwork. Paper can yellow, photos can fade, textiles can fray, and canvases can deteriorate. Once damage occurs, it's often irreversible. This is where art conservation and preservation framing come into play. They help prevent degradation, ensuring that your pieces maintain their beauty and value.

Whether you're an art collector, an artist, or a sentimental owner of family memorabilia, protecting your investment or emotional legacy should be a top priority.

Original artwork by Salvador Dali presented to our store for re-framing.

What Is Conservation Framing?

Conservation framing, also known as preservation framing and archival framing, is a method of custom picture framing that uses materials and techniques designed to protect and prolong the life of artwork. It ensures that your item is housed in a stable environment, minimising exposure to harmful elements.

At its core, conservation framing involves:

• Acid-free and lignin-free matboards
• UV-protective glazing such as museum glass
• Reversible mounting techniques
• Sealed backing to block out dust and pollutants
• High-quality, inert materials that do not release harmful chemicals.

This is the same approach used in museum quality framing, where historical documents and priceless artwork are displayed without compromising their integrity.

How Frame Today Approaches Archival Framing

At Frame Today, we treat every preservation project with the care it deserves. Our experienced team follows professional art conservation standards to deliver outstanding results.

Here’s how we ensure museum-grade protection:

1. UV-filtering glass: We offer UltraVue® and UV70 glass, both of which block up to 99% and 70% respectively, of harmful ultraviolet light. This prevents fading and discolouration, especially for sensitive media like photographs, watercolours, and pastels. We also offer Museum glass, a premium picture frame glass offering 99% UV protection and less than 1% reflection.

2. Acid free archival matboards: We use conservation-grade matboards that are acid-free and lignin-free. These materials provide a buffer between the artwork and the environment, preventing acid migration that can yellow or damage the piece over time.

3. Reversible mounting techniques: Your artwork should never be glued or taped down with standard adhesives. We use reversible and conservation-safe methods like photo corners, archival hinges, and Mylar strips to ensure your artwork remains untouched and unharmed.

4. Custom sealed framing: We use dust-sealed backs and neutral, inert materials within the frame. This creates a micro-environment that reduces the risk of pollutants or humidity affecting the artwork.

5. Trained specialists: Our framers undergo rigorous training to stay updated on the latest conservation practices. We take the time to understand the unique requirements of each piece, from war medals and textiles to limited edition prints and oil paintings.

Why Preservation Framing is Worth It

Choosing preservation framing isn’t just about keeping something in good shape; it’s about peace of mind.

Here’s what you gain:

• Long-term value: Whether sentimental or monetary, the value of your item is protected for years to come.
• Display without degradation: Enjoy your piece on display without the worry of fading or deterioration.
• Professional presentation: Archival materials enhance the look and quality of the finished product.
• Future flexibility: With reversible mounting, you can remove or reframe the item in future.
• Heirloom-quality results: Your piece becomes a memento that can be passed down through generations.

Trust Frame Today With Your Artwork

At Frame Today, we believe your memories deserve more than a basic frame. They deserve the care and protection of expert craftsmanship and conservation grade materials. Whether you're framing a rare print or your child’s first painting, conservation framing ensures it will last a lifetime — and beyond for future generations.

Visit one of our framing stores or learn more about our custom framing services to discover how we can help you preserve what matters most.