FRAMING CODE OF CONDUCT
- Never carry out any action that cannot be undone. All methods must be reversible without leaving any damage or residue.
- All artworks must be handled appropriately. Clean hands, the wearing of gloves, and the use of clean work spaces in required.
- The highest quality conservation or archival materials must be used at every stage of framing. No chemicals, acids, or corrosive materials can be used.
- All artworks, mounting, and frames must be allowed movement. Expansion and contraction must be possible with changes in temperature and humidity.
- No artworks can be cut, trimmed, folded, permanently mounted, or dry-mounted.
- UV filtered glazing or museum glazing must be used with all Museum Standard frames.
- Artworks must never touch the glazing under any circumstances. Window mounting or fillets/spacers must be used in all frames.
- Barrier materials must be used to seal in the rabbet, glazing, and the backing with all Museum Standard Frames. The frame must be protected from any particulates and moisture.
- Honest judgement must be exercised at all times. No work should be carried out without the confidence and experience that it can be completed safely and successfully.
- Further professional help must be sought out for specialist procedures, such as for paper/painting conservation and restoration.
CONSERVATION & MUSEUM STANDARDS
CONSERVATION STANDARD
Our Conservation Standard is the first of two levels of protection we offer, and more than ideal for the protection of most artworks and printworks. These levels define the processes and materials used when framing each artwork.
MOUNTING
Conservation Standard mounting and hinging techniques are fully reversible, using acid free (PH neutral) and lignin free materials.
• Cotton rag archival tapes (acid free, lignin free, farina starch based)
• PH-70 archival tapes (acid free, lignin free, acrylic adhesive)
• Polypropylene/polyethylene corners and strapping (acid free, inert)
BOARDS & BACKING
All mountboards and backings that come into contact with artworks are acid free (PH neutral) and lignin free.
• Bainbridge Artcare™ mountboards (acid free, lignin free, containing zeolites – a naturally occurring mineral that traps air pollutants, actively protecting artworks).
• High quality MDF backing, with acid free barrier paper if required
GLAZING
Our Conservation Standard frames use either standard glass or conservation glass. This can be upgraded to acrylics or museum glazing if required.
• Standard float glass (25%-40% UV protective)
• Conservation glass (ArtGlass™, 99% UV protective)
FITTING & SEALING
Frames are carefully fitted and sealed using long-lasting laminated tapes. When required, frames can include aluminium barrier tapes to help against humidity, or subframes for extra strength.
• Sekisui™ backing tapes (pressure sensitive adhesive, laminated)
MUSEUM STANDARD
Our Museum Standard framing offers the highest level of protection available. Ideal for archival requirements or any particularly important or valuable works.
MOUNTING
Museum Standard frames require more sensitive and particular mounting techniques, allowing for strength, longevity, and zero impact on artworks.
• Japanese hinging (Japanese papers, wheat starch pastes)
• Archival polyester corners and strapping (PET, acid free, inert)
• Archival cotton, linen, satin, or nylon threads (acid free)
BOARDS & BACKING
The highest quality archival materials are used in each frame.
• Rising® mountboards (100% cotton, acid free, lignin free)
• Artcare™ archival foamboard (acid free, lignin free)
• Meridian® High Density Board (laminated, acid free)
GLAZING
All frames use ArtGlass™ museum or protection glass (UV protective and anti-reflective). Acrylics are also available.
• Museum glass (92% or 99% UV protective)
• Protection glass (99% UV protective, shatter-proof)
FITTING & SEALING
All glazing, rebates, and frame backs will be fitted and sealed to create a strong and closed environment within, protecting against moisture and particulates.
• Aluminium Barrier tapes (aluminium backed, acid free, lignin free)
• Sekisui™ backing tapes (pressure sensitive adhesive, laminated)
• Subframes (for frame strength, to allow for split-batons if required)
• Humidity indicators on the frame reverse
The information provided here is based on our most common framing options. Materials and processes can vary dependent on the type of work carried out. Every artwork requires careful consideration when planning the appropriate framing and we always advise discussing each project with us thoroughly.
