Grey Fox Gallery
Bozeman, Montana
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FRAMING TIPS |
Light
Sunlight is most harmful because it is most intense and contains the full spectrum of light.
Ultraviolet (UV) light is on the high-frequency end of the light spectrum. It is responsible for fading, and is common to sunlight, fluorescent and some other artificial light sources.
Infrared (IR) light is on the low-frequency end of the light spectrum. It is responsible for generating heat (increasing molecular activity), accelerated aging, brittleness, weakening of fibers, and discoloration. It is common to sunlight. Most artificial light sources also emit IR, but it is considered relatively low-intensity and slow to cause damage.
Note that light damage of any kind is cumulative - depending on duration and intensity, and is irreversible.
How to counteract the effects of light
Store or display in dark or low-light conditions. Avoid sunlight, fluorescent light, and other artificial light of high intensity. Usually, five foot-candles is enough for viewing or reading comfortably.
UV damage (fading) can be slowed or nearly stopped by the use of UV-filtering glass or acrylic in framing, window coverings, light fixture lenses.
Note that even minimal light levels are harmful over long periods of time. The only way to completely stop light damage is to keep your paper in the dark.
Options for UV-Filtering Glazing
Good: UV Glass or Acrylic
Best: UV Glass or Acrylic with Anti-Reflective coatings.
Also available is UV glass and acrylic with reflection control, which means the front surface has been etched to reduce glare and reflection.
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Information courtesy of
James A. Miller, Certified Picture Framer
1698 Hill Road
N.
Pickerington, Ohio 43147
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Archival vs. Acid-Free
Many framing materials are labeled "Acid Free." This often means that the material has simply been buffered with calcium to slow the growth of acid.
"Archival" or "Conservation" materials are made from two categories of materials. "Rag" materials are made from 100% cotton, which does not form acid. "Alpha-cellulose" is a term given to paper products that have had the acid-producing lignins removed.
Be sure to ask your framer to use "Archival" or "Conservation" materials in your next framing project.
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