Fine Art Prints Framing | Print Matting | Print Hanging Information
Museum Quality Preservation:
Matting & Framing Guidelines
Archival protection and museum quality presentation of your photograph directly affect long term value and durability. If you ordered a matted print, of course you can disregard the sections on matting...
Framing & Matting Information:
Be sure to have it framed by a professional art framer who frames not just art, but photography from fine art galleriesInsist on an ARCHIVAL HINGE MAT. This will include BOTH a “hinge” made with archival tape from the backer to the front mat at the top and a hinge attaching the print to the backer as well.
To best present photography, mat it on a shade of white. Colored mats, highlights or matching color overmats on photography are folksy but not considered museum quality by anyone who knows what they are doing. Double overmats in a shade of white are OK but not necessary.
Most photography is framed with a black or gray frame, which also goes with everything, but this is not required. You can get creative with the frame color or materials if you wish and match your décor this way rather than with the mat. Remember your décor and even your house will change more often than the photograph.
Steer away from foam board backing, even archival foam board backing is not to museum standards. If the framer insists on foam board backing be sure it is archival foam board.
This is probably the most important note: Be sure the framer uses 100% UV PLEXIGLASS, NOT GLASS. They may try to talk you into glass as it is usually cheaper, easier for them to get and has a higher markup. However, the best museums and galleries use 100% UV PLEXIGLASS. It protects the print from ultraviolet light. Just as importantly, it will not shatter and destroy the print if it is dropped, falls off the wall or otherwise goes through a mishap.
The framer will probably take pride in telling you that once the print is framed, carry it only by either the hanging wire on the back or by the sides of the frame. Never lift it by the top of the frame. This could damage the frame and/or the print.
Hanging Information:
It is generally known to hang your print away from direct sun. What most people do not know is that to assure long life of the print, do not hang it anywhere across from a window or where it will get any direct light from the sky. The sky radiates UV light.
If you can hang it where it will be well lit by good track lights or other quality daylight equivalent lights, you and others will be able to enjoy the full range of colors and qualities in the photograph.
For more information see the online article in Digital Photo Magazine based on these guidelines: >>>>Tip of The Week<<<<
May proper care of your photographic print bring you many years of enjoyment and allow you to hand it down to your heirs.
Please Inquire Through The Contact Page, e-mail or write if you have any questions.