• FAQ's – Frames

    Q: What makes a frame truly archival? A frame is truly archival when every material inside the frame is stable, chemically inert, and designed for long-term preservation. The frame itself is only part of the system — the mats, backing board, glazing, and mounting method all matter.
    An archival frame should include:
    • Acid-free, lignin-free mat board (museum board or conservation board)
    • Archival backing board that provides rigid support
    • UV-filtering glazing to reduce light damage
    • Reversible mounting methods, such as mounting corners or mounting strips
    • No direct contact between the artwork and the glazing. This can be achieved using an archival window mat.
    Archival Methods framing materials are designed to work together as a system, ensuring the artwork can be safely displayed now and removed later without damage.
    Q: What materials should never be used in archival framing? Certain common framing materials can cause irreversible damage over time and should never be used for archival framing.
    • Regular cardboard or corrugated backing
    • Wood-pulp mats that are not acid-free
    • Rubber cement, pressure-sensitive tapes, or household glues
    • Masking tape, duct tape, or packing tape
    • PVC or vinyl plastics
    • Spray adhesives or permanent mounting sprays
    These materials can off-gas, become acidic, stain artwork, or make future removal impossible. Archival Methods products are specifically manufactured to avoid these risks and meet conservation standards.
    Q: Is acrylic safer than glass for valuable artwork? Acrylic glazing is often safer than glass for valuable or irreplaceable artwork, especially when weight or breakage is a concern.
    Acrylic offers several advantages:
    • Lighter weight, which reduces stress on frames and hanging hardware
    • Shatter resistance, lowering the risk of damage during transit, or if the frame is dropped
    • Acrylic and glass are both offered with UV-filtering capabilities
    Glass is more scratch-resistant and may be preferred for smaller, low-risk pieces, but for large, valuable, or frequently handled artwork, UV-filtering acrylic is often the safer archival choice.
    Q: Can I do archival framing at home using Archival Methods products? Yes. Many collectors, artists, and photographers successfully do archival framing at home using Archival Methods supplies.
    The framing materials we sell — including mat boards, backing boards, mounting corners, mounting strips and glazing — are designed for both professional and DIY archival framing. With careful handling and proper techniques, you can create museum-quality framing without sending artwork to a professional framer.
    Archival framing at home is especially practical for:
    • Photographers and artists
    • Documents and certificates
    • Limited edition prints and other artwork
    The key is using archival materials and reversible methods so the artwork remains protected and can be safely reframed in the future.

PRE-CUT ALUMINUM FRAME