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Prolong The Life Of Your Framed Picture

By Autumn Lockwood

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 27May2011 Word count: 2107 Viewed: 112 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

There are many factors that influence how long pictures will last in picture frames. There's a combination of factors that contribute to the longevity of a piece of framed art, such as proper framing for protection from environmental damage while on display.

Enemies of Framed Art

Handling - hands, poor storage or faulty repairs can cause fingerprints, creases, and stains on your artwork. Framing can provide complete protection if the art is properly protected with glazing (glass or plastic).

Insects - they can be attracted to "tasty" wood frames or even to the paste used to put them together. The potential damage caused can be holes and overall deterioration of the frame. Unless insects are sealed inside the frame, proper framing can provide protection from them.

Moisture / Humidity - dampness from places such as bathrooms, kitchens, porches, boats, homes near the shore can cause warping or buckling of your artwork and even the growth of mold. Unfortunately, framing cannot completely protect your art from moisture, but it can slow the absorption a bit. The best way to control this cause of harm is with proper placement of the framed artwork or by controlling the environment in which the art is hung.

Air Pollution - chemicals, cooking grease, insecticides, smoke and ash from fireplaces can be harmful and cause stains and discoloration to your artwork. If your artwork is covered with glass or acrylic, framing can provide good protection from these sources.

Light - sunlight, fluorescent, incandescent, and picture lights can all cause fading. Proper framing can help, but it is best to protect your art from fading by avoiding contact with strong light.

Heat and Cold - extreme temperatures and extreme changes in temperature can cause warping and/or buckling of artwork. This potential damage can be controlled by proper framing and proper choice of hanging location.

Acids and Gases - framing materials or the art itself can contain harmful acids or gases that can cause discoloration and deterioration. Mitigate internal weaknesses with proper framing which can prevent damage caused by materials.

Professional Picture Framers

If you are worried about any of the above-mentioned causes of harm and their potential damage to your artwork, then it may be time to consult a professional. When selecting a professional framer, be an informed consumer. It can help you make decisions if you go in with at least a basic knowledge of color choices, design, and framing standards. It helps to know the difference between ornately jeweled picture frames and, say, ornate vintage picture frames.

The experience and expertise of a professional picture framer can vary widely, so be sure to look for indications of professional standards. Framers interested in staying active within the industry and keeping up with current standards may indicate membership in the Professional Picture Framers Association (PPFA - in the U.S. and Canada) or the Fine Art Trade Guild (FATG) in the UK. Look for signage or certificates that indicate training.

Another option is to just talk to the framer about how they came to be involved in the profession. Some excellent framers learned their job simply by working for many years in great frame shops, or some may have learned by growing up into it as a family business.

Word of mouth is usually another good way to find a reputable framer, since most people won't recommend a professional or a business unless they're satisfied enough to be proud of their choice.

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