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BEST PRACTICES FOR FRAMING

How to Select the Right Framer

The first choice to be made is whether to use a professional framer or to select ready-made frames from a local or online retailer and frame your photos yourself. While convenient and often less expensive, ready-made frames usually contain glass that has not been coated for UV protection, and many also have filler boards made of acidic, lignin-containing paperboards that can yellow or fade your photographs. If the frame's package doesn't list the appropriate materials, then assume it doesn't contain them.

A professional frame shop gives you access not only to a wider range of frame designs but also to expertise in the types of materials needed to protect your particular type of photo. But how to you pick the right frame shop? Like any profession, some members are more educated and skilled than others. You wouldn't pick a surgeon randomly out of a phone book and you shouldn't pick your framer that way either. Seek recommendations from friends, but also check the Professional Picture Framers Association (PPFA) website to find a certified framer in your area. Certified framers must have a demonstrated basic level of skill and knowledge.

How to Select the Right Materials

What are the best materials to use? There are a variety of opinions on these matters, but it's usually best to follow guidelines published by recognized groups whose business it is to give quality advice (as opposed to selling particular products). One such group is the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Made up of experts from member countries, ISO committees write standards for use by everyone - both the average consumer and the major museum. One standard of particular interest to anyone framing photos for display is ISO 18902 - Imaging materials - Processed imaging materials - Albums, framing and storage materials.⁽³⁾ This publication describes requirements for all components of the framing package to ensure their quality, inertness with respect to photos, and their ability to preserve and protect photos on display for extended periods. You needn't buy this document, though. The way to know if framing materials have met the requirements of ISO is to check the package or product literature for this statement: "Meets Imaging materials - Processed imaging materials - Albums, framing and storage materials." Or you can check with the manufacturer.

Some materials may say only: "Passes ISO 18916 - Imaging materials - Processed imaging materials - Photographic activity test for enclosure materials" or "Passes PAT." The photographic activity test (or PAT) is a simple test used to manufacturers to determine whether their products will cause fading or yellowing of photographs.⁽⁴⁾ While this is an excellent test and is usually a good indicator of whether a framing material will harm a photo, it is better if the product meets ISO 18902, which, in addition to the PAT, has a variety of other requirements necessary to determine if the product will be safe and suitable for use in framing photographs.

There are many other terms used to suggest that a product is of a certain quality. These are not standardized or legal terms but are simply marketing terms, such as "acid-free," "archival," "museum-quality," or "conservation board." Sometimes manufacturers have their own definitions for these terms, and it's important to be sure to understand their meaning so you know whether you are getting the quality you want. Below are specifics on how to select each component of a framing package.

How to Select the Right Frame for Your Photograph

Frames are typically made of wood, plastic, or metal. In addition to being a decorative element, the frame holds the various parts of the framing package together and forms a rigid structure by which the whole assembly can be propped on a shelf or hung on a wall. First and foremost, it is important to select a frame that is physically strong enough to carry out this function. The bigger the frame package, the stronger it will need to be, especially if glass glazing is used. Aluminum is often used for frames because it is inert and won't react with photos. Other metals can be used, but they must be sealed to prevent corrosion. Wood frames also need to be sealed because they may give off harmful chemicals. All frame sealants must pass the photographic activity test. It also helps to seal the edge of the frame package with polyester tape to minimize any harm a wood frame might cause (see Fig. 5).

How to Select the Right Mat Board, Window Mats, and Backing Paper

As mentioned before, one of the best indicators of quality is that the board meets ISO 18902 - Imaging materials - Processed imaging materials - Albums, framing and storage materials. In addition to passing the PAT, that standard requires that all paper and paperboard materials have a pH between 7.0 and 9.5, be buffered with at least 2% calcium carbonate, and be lignin-free. None of the above requirements, on its own, implies sufficient preservation quality; some "acid-free" products may still fade or yellow a photo. Colored papers and boards should be bleed- and fade-resistant as well.

How to Select the Right Mounting Method for Your Photograph

In general, heat mounting, spray-adhesive mounting, and pressure-sensitive tapes are not recommended for preservation framing because they are not easily removable. It's best to select a method that can be undone so that the photo can be reframed at a later time if desired. Easy removal of the photo from a frame and mat also allows those materials to be reused. Photo corners work well with photos that are sturdy and haven't decayed. Photo corners should be made from an inert plastic such as polyester or a high-quality paper. The adhesives should be both acid- and rubber-free. Hinges made from Japanese tissue and starch adhesive work best for fragile photos. There are other ways to mount photos onto mat boards as well, and different types of photos may need different approaches. A professional framer or photograph conservator will be your best guide.

How to Select the Right Glazing for Picture Frames

Both glass and plastic glazing are available for frames. Glass has the advantage of being resistant to scratching, but it is heavy and fragile. Very large photos should be framed with plastic glazing, as plastics are lighter and less prone to breakage. Plastic, however, is more easily scratched. Both glass and plastic glazing are available with special coatings to reduce glare and block UV.

As you would expect, one of the most important qualities to look for in glazing is UV blocking. The UV energy is absorbed at the surface of UV-blocking glass and is thus prevented from reaching and damaging the photograph, as illustrated in Fig. 16. ISO 18902 recommends glazing that blocks at least 97% of UV energy. Look for glazing that makes this claim. ISO also requires that the glazing pass the photographic activity test. Other qualities to look for are anti-reflection coatings, color-neutral or color-enhancing coatings, and scratch resistance. Anti-reflection coatings disperse the light that strikes the glazing, thus reducing reflections from light sources such as indoor lights or windows. Some glazing manufacturers add colorants to their coatings to make the glazing appear more neutral in color. This is because framing glass naturally has a slightly green tint, which can affect the color of the photo behind it. Finally, some glazing is treated to resist scratching. This is really important for plastic glazing, as it is more susceptible to scratching during handling. A professional picture framer can help you make the right glazing choice.

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RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DISPLAY

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This document can be found in PDF format at http://www.imagepermanenceinstitute.org