How does Conservation Framing work?
The theory behind conservation framing is to enclose the item in a non-hostile environment and to give it protection from the general environment. The general components of a conservation-framing job consist of the frame, the glazing, the mat or spacer, the backing and the hinging. Mats, backing, hinging and glazing must consist of 100% acid free material of conservation quality. Hinging should be of acid free materials with a water-based activated adhesive. Under no circumstances should pressure-sensitive adhesives be used on paper as these adhesives change character over time and the adhesive is known to migrate into the paper. Matting The primary purpose of matting is to separate the artwork from the glass. Since paper expands and contracts with temperature and humidity changes, the mat allows room for that inside the frame. Mats should also enhance the beauty of the artwork. They should create, if you will, a funnel along which your eye is drawn to the image.
