Matting and Framing Antique Prints
Matting and Framing Antique Prints
Protecting antique prints and paper ephemera with acid-free folders and
archival quality boxes and sleeves may be appropriate for storage.
However, it is neither convenient nor safe for items that you wish to view.
One of the best ways to preserve your antique paper items for the future, while
being able to view them, is to mat and frame using conservation quality
materials.
You can bring it to a professional or do it yourself. If you choose to
have a professional do the work, choose a reputable framer and specify the
materials to be used. Whether you or a frame shop frame your prints, all
mats, backing materials and adhesives should be chemically stable and acid free.
Adhesives that come in contact with antique paper should be permanent but
reversible. When handling the print, use cotton gloves to keep from
soiling the paper with natural oils which occur on the skin.
Mounting and Mat Board
The print or paper ephemera should never touch the glazing. A window mat will prevent this,
while showcasing your item. The window mat and the backer should be made
of acid-free, high alpha-cellulose purified wood pulp or cotton rag board.
Using a stable adhesive, hinge the window mat to the backer with acid-free
tape such as linen or Tyvek.
Hinge
Prints should never be mounted on the backer with adhesive such as a dry
mount. Instead, small items can be fixed to the backer board with acid-free
corners or transparent mounting strips. Larger items should be hinged to the
backer with Japanese paper and starch adhesive. Use a T-hinge if the print doesn't
show through the window, or a folded V-hinge if it does.
Glazing
Protect your print from fading and deterioration caused by UV light by using
UV filtering glass or Plexiglas or acrylic glazing.
Frame
Either wood or metal frames can be used. They should be
deep enough to hold the mat/picture combination and a frame backing board.
Backing Board & Sealing Tape
Once you have placed your matted print in
the frame, keep pollutants and insects from affecting your artwork by placing a
well-fitting sheet of acid-free corrugated board in the back of the frame,
sealed with a stable sealing tape.
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