Conservation framing
The role of conservation framing is to preserve and protect your art piece from acid and ultraviolet (UV) light damage. Conservation framing requires framing techniques and methods that ensure mounting and framing of your artwork can be reversed. The artwork can be safely removed from its frame without incurring damage. It is important to enquire about the framing techniques and materials used by your framer. Standard framing can involve the use of materials that are not acid-free or lignin-free. Some framers may also employ less ideal mounting and framing techniques that could add further deterioration and irreversible damage to your art piece. In the end you could be better off not having it framed at all!
Paper is especially sensitive to its surroundings where it can be easily damaged by humidity, temperature changes or exposure to light. Singapore’s tropical climate and constant high humidity is a threat to delicate works on paper and UV light can accelerate the deterioration process, causing a photo-chemical reaction that will fade colours. Even ambient artificial or strong fluorescent lights in your home contain UV light! A simple look at the old photos kept in your home away from direct sunlight, will show you that indoor lighting have already faded the colours substantially.
When it comes to evaluating whether your artwork requires conservation framing, value of artwork is objective and it differs from person to person. Some customers conserve artworks because of its high monetary value, others conserve because of sentimental value. It could be the first piece of art your child painted for you, an heirloom that your parents left to you, or anything that reminds you of a cherished memory. As long as it has meaning to you, it could be something that you can consider conserving.
Materials for conservation quality framing
Acid-free materials
The lignin compound present in paper will turn acidic over time, breaking down chemical compounds within the paper to cause yellowing, brittleness and deterioration. For proper conservation of your art, we offer acid-free materials and high grade conservation mounts such as alpha-cellulose conservation or cotton rag-mats which are 100% free from lignin and of a neutral pH.
We practice proper techniques and hinge our artwork using archival quality hinges that allow the artwork space to expand and contract within the mount.
These are some of our acid-free material options:
- Acid-free matboards
- Cotton-rag and purified wood pulp alpha-cellulose matboards
- Neutral PH pure wheat starch for reversible hinging
- Archival acid-free linen hinging tapes
- Archival polypropylene mounting corners/strips
Options for acid-free materials include museum boards and archival mounting techniques and tapes
Humidity protection
We can provide Art-Sorb Conservation Desiccant Sheets, which are made specifically to control the Relative Humidity (RH) within a sealed frame. These desiccant sheets control the RH at 50% which is most ideal for works on paper. Do note that it is good practice to replace the Art-Sorb sheet within the frame every 3-5 years for better preservation.
Art-Sorb Conservation Dessicant Sheets that can control relative humidity within a sealed frame
It is also important to provide a gap between the back of the frame, and wall its hanging on, with the use of felt or rubber bumpers so that there is airflow at the back of the frame. Otherwise, moisture can easily be trapped and mould may grow. Moist walls often introduce moisture to the back of a frame.
Water resistant PVC corflute can be used for the backing of the frame for moisture and dust resistance. It is also lighter than plywood and reduces the overall weight of the frame.
Using PVC corflute for moisture and dust resistance
UV protection glazing
We have a range of conservation glazing that can protect your artwork from colour fading caused by UV light damage. UV light protection is recommended as it is essential for protecting your artwork from the slow but harmful and irreversible damage from exposure to UV light.
Properties of Tru Vue Museum Glass®
It is important to note that even framed artwork with UV protection glazing should never be placed in direct sunlight. The strong sun rays will fade any print or artwork over time, no matter how archival it may be.
Comparison between Tru Vue Conservation Clear® and Glass Tru Vue Museum Glass®
We offer a range of UV protection glazings:
Tru Vue Conservation Clear® Glass
A staple for custom framing to safeguard your personal mementoes and works of art on the walls for years to come.
- Blocks up to 99% of UV rays
- No ripple or “orange peel” effect on glass surface
- Proprietary coating is engineered for permanence
- Premium 2.5mm thickness provides better strength and rigidity
Tru Vue Museum Glass®
This glass product provides 99% UV protection and is virtually ‘invisible’. It has the highest anti-reflective properties, offering amazing clarity.
- Virtually eliminates reflections
- Blocks up to 99% of UV rays
- Optimal light transmission brighten colours
- Proprietary coating is engineered for permanence
- Premium 2.5mm thickness provides better strength and rigidity
Tru Vue Optium Museum Acrylic®
A state-of-the-art glazing that is trusted by the world’s most renowned museums. It boasts a virtually invisible anti-reflective coating allowing viewers to see the finest details in crystal clear colour neutrality. This acrylic has an amazing list of properties that also include UV-filtering, abrasion resistance, and anti-static coating, offering uncompromising protection and preservation.
- Virtually eliminates reflections
- Blocks up to 99% of UV rays
- Optimal light transmission protects and brightens colours
- Anti-static protection that immediately dissipates static
- Durable hard coat protects against scratches
- Shatter resistance safeguards against injury and damage to artwork
- Cleans like glass – no special acrylic cleaners needed
- Proprietary coating is engineered for permanence
Plexiglas Gallery® UV100
Plexiglas Gallery® UV100 offers UV protection of 99.7%, which is great for UV-sensitive artworks, as compared with conventional picture glazing (UV protection < 40%). It is also a good option for works that travel frequently because of its lightweight and shatter resistant properties.
- Offers 99.7% UV protection
- Shatter resistant – 11x more break resistant than glass
- Light weight – half the weight of glass
Quick comparison
| 99% UV Protection | Abrasion Resistant | Anti-reflective | Anti-static | Shatter resistant | |
| Tru Vue Optium Museum Acrylic® | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tru Vue Museum Glass® | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Tru Vue Conservation Clear® Glass | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Plexiglas Gallery® UV100 | ✓ | ✓ |