Guidelines for Your Framer or Frame Shop

This illustration, adapted from an image by the American Institute for Conservation, demonstrates the components involved in conservation framing.

• Select a frame deep enough to hold all elements
• Use ultraviolet-filtering glazing, either glass or acrylic
• Use a window mat and back mat of 4-ply buffered rag mat board or 100% chemically purified wood pulp
• Use photo corners or hinges of Japanese paper, adhered with wheat starch paste
• Use a backing board of chemically stable material in the form of mat-board, corrugated board, or other sturdy barrier board