Framing Tips for Works on Paper
(From American Artist Magazine)
Works on paper- Watercolors, pastels, charcoal drawings, reproductions, etc., entail a special set of considerations because of the perishable quality of their surfaces.
Prior to framing, the work must be mounted on a support. Conservation mounting is strongly recommended. This means that at any time in the future you would be able to remove your artwork from the framing structure without causing any damage. Also, there would be no telltale signs that the work had ever been framed before. Conservation mounting is imperative for works of value or anticipated future value.
Acid-free corner pockets and acid free adhesives are two good methods of securing artwork to its support. As for the support itself, archival foam board creates a sturdy structure for a framed piece on paper and helps protect artwork from pollutants that might find their way through the back of a framed piece.
In addition works on paper require matting and framing under glass for protection. The matboard with a cutout window, is laid over the painting and prevents the glass from touching the surface of the mat. Matting also contributes to the presentation of the artwork. Also, make sure that all materials are 100 percent acid free to avoid any discoloration of the artwork.
