What is conservation framing?

Conservation or preservation framing is a method of picture framing that preserves and protects artwork. It ensures that all the materials used in framing and matting will not harm the artwork, and will, as much as possible, protect the artwork from physical damage. Professional picture framers are trained in the proper techniques and materials for preservation framing, and with our products you too can conservation frame like a professional.

If artwork is not properly framed in a preservation manner, it can fade, yellow, stain, even be burned by acids in inferior framing materials – causing irreparable damage and loss of value and beauty.

Because conservation framing materials are made to be permanent, they feature colors that will not fade and cores that are pure and clean – attributes that will maintain the aesthetics of your framed pieces for years to come.

In addition, preservation framing protects the integrity and value – be it monetary or emotional – of all your artwork, photographs and memorabilia, preserving and protecting for the enjoyment of the next generation.

Alphamat Matboards: Bainbridge Alphamat Artcare conservation board protects artwork from pollutant gases entering along the glazing edge, from acids released by wood mouldings and from the artifact's aging by-products.

Archival Mounting Boards: Archival Foamboard protects artwork from pollutants entering the back of the framed piece, from foam out-gassing and from degradative by-products.

UV Plexiglass: Our UV Plexiglass filters 98% of harmful ultraviolet rays.

“When should I use conservation framing?”

We are asked this question a lot, and our answer is really simple, “When the artwork is worth preserving.”

This can include the obvious ones, original artwork, limited editions, cartoon cels, newspaper clippings, photographs, etc. to the less obvious ones, your child’s first drawing.