Archival Framing Materials

Archival framing materials are selected to reduce the risk that components inside a picture frame will contribute to the deterioration of artwork over time. They are particularly important when framing original artwork, photographs, documents, works on paper, limited editions, and other pieces intended for long-term preservation.

The term archival can apply to several parts of a framing package, including matboards, mounting materials, backing boards, papers, and adhesives. Using appropriate materials throughout the frame creates a more suitable environment for artwork than focusing on any single component alone.

What Does Archival Mean in Picture Framing?

In picture framing, archival generally describes materials and techniques chosen with long-term preservation in mind.

Artwork may remain in contact with or close to framing materials for decades. The chemical stability and composition of those materials can therefore matter, particularly for paper, photographs, textiles, and other sensitive pieces.

Archival materials are an important component of conservation picture framing, where the complete framing package is designed with greater consideration for long-term protection.

Why Do Framing Materials Matter?

Materials that appear harmless when a piece is first framed can affect artwork after years of close contact.

Poor-quality boards and papers can contain substances that contribute to discoloration, staining, brittleness, or other deterioration. Inappropriate adhesives and permanent mounting methods can also alter artwork or make future removal difficult.

Selecting more stable framing materials helps reduce avoidable risks within the frame.

Archival Matboards

Matboard is one of the framing materials most likely to remain close to artwork for long periods. Its composition is therefore particularly important when preservation is a priority.

Conservation-quality and cotton rag matboards are designed for applications where greater material stability is desired. Depending on the board, characteristics can include purified fibers, controlled acidity, and reduced lignin content.

Friedman’s guide to picture framing mats and matboards explains the different materials and functions of matting within a frame.

Cotton Rag Matboard

Cotton rag matboard is made from cotton fibers rather than conventional wood-pulp fibers. Cotton has a long history of use in preservation-oriented paper and board products because of its stability and durability.

These boards are commonly considered for original artwork, valuable works on paper, historic documents, photographs, and other pieces where the materials surrounding the artwork are an important preservation consideration.

The choice between cotton rag and other conservation-quality boards depends on the artwork and the requirements of the framing project.

Archival Mounting Materials

Mounting materials hold or support artwork within the frame. Because some mounting components may come into direct contact with the artwork, their selection can have significant long-term consequences.

For preservation-oriented framing, mounting methods may use stable papers and appropriate adhesives while avoiding unnecessary permanent alteration of the artwork.

Friedman’s guide to artwork mounting methods explains hinge mounting, float mounting, permanent mounting, and other approaches used for different types of pieces.

Archival Backing and Support Materials

Backing boards and support materials help provide rigidity and protection behind artwork.

When these materials are part of a conservation framing package, their composition and stability should be considered along with the materials placed in front of and directly around the artwork.

Friedman’s guide to picture framing backing and support materials explains the roles of backing boards, rigid supports, and protective frame components.

Archival Papers and Hinges

Works on paper are often attached within a framing package using small hinges rather than being permanently bonded across their entire surface.

Preservation-oriented hinge materials are selected for stability and compatibility with the artwork. The goal is generally to provide sufficient support while minimizing unnecessary intervention.

The appropriate hinge material, adhesive, placement, and number of hinges depend on the dimensions, weight, condition, and characteristics of the artwork.

Adhesives in Archival Framing

Adhesives require careful consideration because they may remain attached to or near artwork for many years.

An adhesive appropriate for a disposable decorative poster may not be appropriate for an original drawing, historic document, valuable print, or irreplaceable photograph.

When preservation is important, the objective is generally to avoid unnecessary permanent alteration and use materials appropriate for the artwork and mounting method.

Acid-Free and Archival Are Not Always the Same Thing

The terms acid-free and archival are sometimes used interchangeably, but they do not necessarily describe exactly the same characteristics.

Acidity is one factor in material selection. Fiber composition, lignin content, chemical stability, manufacturing processes, and long-term behavior can also matter when evaluating a framing material for preservation use.

Understanding these distinctions is important when selecting materials for original or sensitive artwork rather than relying on a single label.

Archival Materials and Protective Glazing

Archival materials inside a frame address different risks than protective glazing.

Stable mats, mounting materials, and backing boards help create an appropriate physical environment around the artwork. UV-protective glazing helps reduce exposure to ultraviolet radiation from outside the frame.

Neither replaces the other. A preservation-oriented framing package may combine appropriate archival materials with UV-protective glazing when the artwork requires both forms of protection.

What Should Be Framed With Archival Materials?

Archival framing materials are particularly worth considering for:

• Original works on paper
• Watercolors and drawings
• Fine art prints and limited editions
• Photographs and photographic prints
• Historic documents and manuscripts
• Signed documents and autographs
• Textiles and paper memorabilia
• Sentimental or irreplaceable pieces

The need for archival materials depends on the characteristics and importance of the individual piece, not simply its monetary value.

Archival Framing Materials as Part of a Complete System

No individual archival material can protect artwork by itself. Matboards, mounting materials, backing, glazing, spacing, and frame construction all contribute to the environment surrounding the piece.

Display conditions remain important as well. Even carefully selected framing materials cannot eliminate the effects of excessive light, heat, humidity, or other environmental risks.

At Friedman’s Framing in Savannah, archival materials can be selected as part of a complete framing design according to the artwork, its condition, and the level of long-term preservation appropriate for the piece.