We frame pictures to a variety of standards. The simplest way of describing these is firstly to explain the Standard that we most commonly use. Our other Standards are different in small details appropriate to the artwork being framed.
The aim is to enhance the presentation of the artwork whilst protecting it from atmospheric pollution. Key processes are reversible. Artwork is kept away from the glass, and protected by an acid-free backing.
These are chosen to be free from unnatural faults, and wherever possible are from the same length of moulding.
Mitres are accurately cut and pinned, so that there are no appreciable gaps or distortion.
For most work we use Conservation Grade mountboard from the Colourmount 300 (Conservation White Core) range. Detailed specifications of this mountboard, including an indication of light-fastness, are available from the Colourmount site.
Apertures are neatly cut, with no ragged edges and no sign of overcutting.
Artwork is attached the to window mount using thin white paper tape. The gum on the tape is water-based gum and acid-free. We moisten it with distilled water. Since many of the backing boards in current use have a sealed surface which does not accept water-based gum we attach the artwork to the windowmount.
We use best quality 2mm float glass. This is more expensive than the normal quality glass, also stocked by our supplier. We have found that there is a difference, which is worth the extra expense.
We use a variety of acid-free backings, invariably from the Art-Bak or Conservatek range. These are made especially for the picture-framing trade, and have the advantage that there is no need to use a separate barrier board when mounting the artwork.
We use rigid (non-flexible) framers' points and best quality self adhesive tape made for the framing trade. This tape looks much like masking tape, with its crimped appearance, but a longer lasting adhesive is used.
We screw zince-plated D-rings to the moulding, using zinc-plated screws. Non-stretch polyester cord is used, of thickness appropriate to the job in hand. Our strings are double looped around the D-rings, and also across the picture. Experience has shown that this method is quite the best.
It is important that customers are able to inspect work when it is collected, and so we wrap framed pictures loosely in acid-free tissue paper, for removal by hand. We will provide robust packaging for carriage by other means, but extra cost is involved.
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