Aftercare

Always store/carry frames back to back. It is the hangers on the back of the frame, which will damage the frame underneath.

Surface or float mount articles should be handled as above plus ALWAYS right way up if stored vertically or on their back if stored flat.

Picking up a frame

Wooden frame – flexing the frame may cause the corners to split – pick up and transport the frame as shown below.

Don't pick up a frame like this

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Care of Original Art

Storage

Often when artworks are acquired or purchased, no budget exists for their immediate framing. To preserve their integrity and prevent damage due to handling, strategies for long-term appropriate storage should be addressed. Solutions should take into account the value of the art in terms of its originality and/or sentimentality.

For further information and a better understanding of storage options ask for one of out booklets.

How & Where to Hang it

Environmental factors, which will have long-term effect on the safety of your art, include:

• UV light (sun/fluoro/ incandescent light)
• Heat/Cold (especially rapid change in temperature)
• Humidity (bathroom/tropics)

Ideally art should be hung on an internal wall not opposite or next to a window and not above a fireplace. It can be difficult to find a large amount of ideal hanging space. Therefore consideration should be given to assessing the "value" of the artwork (both monetary and sentimental) and then position appropriately. If you particularly wish to hang artwork in a position which is not ideal, it is useful to advise your framer.

For example if you wish to hang the artwork in the bathroom we can apply a silicon bead to the glass to ensure a moisture seal and foamcore should be the backboard of choice. A block mount would definitely require lamination. A mirror, surprisingly enough, is better without a backboard in a bathroom. This allows condensation to dry and not be "held" on the silvering to start corrosion.

In a very sunny spot conservation glass may be considered. Heat can also be a consideration and positioning art where hot sun will strike the art should ALWAYS be avoided. Rapid change in temperature inside a frame will cause condensation to form increasing the possibility of board and art damage due to excessive condensation inside the frame.

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Glass isn't just Glass

Choosing the glazing material for your artwork requires consideration of the site of hanging, personal taste, and the value of the artwork.

Remember — Non reflective glass even the quality of Tru Vie will give a slightly out of focus effect and should be considered only if the reflection on the frame to be hung is extreme. Anti reflection glass maybe considered when the reflective qualities of clear glass and the "fuzziness" of reflection control is a problem.

If your artwork has major conservation requirements the glass of choice should be conservation glass which blocks 99% of UV.

For further information and a better understanding of glass ask for one of our booklets.

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