Conservation Framing - Learn all about how to frame you art the right way.

One of the major purposes of framing is to diminish or delay the effects of aging on artwork. This means protecting the art from damage arising from (1) physical abuse like bumps, punctures, abrasion, and dirt, (2) the chemical effects of air pollution, (3) excessive light, (4) excessive heat or cold, (5) excessive humidity or dryness, and (6) insects. Young artists generally pay little attention to the quality of materials and the future of their work, but as we get older we try to ensure that we use "artist quality" materials in our work. These are materials such as pigments and papers that will not deteriorate over time. Nonetheless very few artists succeed in using these materials all the time; most don't have enough money to do so, and many contemporary artists work spontaneously in unconventional media, grabbing anything at hand and including it in their work. In addition, I have found that not all materials labeled "artist grade" are in fact lightfast (no fading). Therefore people who buy original works of art should not assume that the work is going to last "forever" (why should it? nothing else does), but should instead consult with the artist and framer, and use common sense in considering the materials used and how to best preserve them for a reasonable cost.