Preservation framing, also known as conservation framing, surrounds your artwork in a completely acid-free environment. We use only the finest quality mats, mounting boards, and framing techniques to protect your valuable and sentimental pieces from acid degradation and harmful UV light. Our techniques allow the artwork to be removed from the frame at any time without damage or alteration, maintaining its value for years. Beyond preservation framing, we offer museum framing, which provides the highest level of protective framing available. Art Emporium will guide you in selecting the appropriate method for your specific artwork.

Mounting refers to the technique used to secure artwork within the frame. We utilize three main types of mounting: Permanent mounting is irreversible and should only be applied to artwork with minimal value, such as open edition prints, as it will compromise the artwork's value. Semi-permanent mounting allows artwork to be removed later using heat. While not advisable for expensive pieces, we recommend this method for moderately priced open, original, and limited edition prints. Both permanent and semi-permanent mounting flatten the artwork and eliminate minor wrinkles and creases. Hinging involves attaching artwork to a backing board or mat using small pieces of acid-free tape or similar materials. Hinges should be constructed from acid-free self-adhesive material. Hinged artwork is less prone to cockling or rippling when humidity levels change. Dry mounting flattens and affixes artwork to a backing board. This process is primarily aesthetic, eliminating small wrinkles and creases while minimizing ongoing cockling effects. Dry mounting may be either permanent or semi-permanent. Various methods and products exist, but no wet materials like glue are involved. We employ a vacuum press where the artwork, backing board, and adhesive are heated while the vacuum extracts residual air, forming a bond between the artwork and backing board.

Artwork that holds value for you, whether monetary or sentimental, should not be permanently dry mounted. Additionally, artwork prone to melting should never undergo dry mounting. Valuable artwork may occasionally be semi-permanently mounted, but this decision should be reviewed with your design consultant.

A mat is a border, typically constructed from mat board, positioned around the artwork. It fulfills several functions: The mat creates space between the artwork and the frame or glass. When glass contacts the art directly, damage such as mold or adhesion to the glass underside can occur over time. The mat, especially its color, guides the viewer's eye into the picture. Through careful color selection, we can enhance the colors within the artwork. The mat conceals the mechanical elements of the framed piece, such as covering the mounting method used, whether hinging or dry mounting. Mats should be preservation or museum grade to deliver the highest level of protection for your artwork. Mats are available in numerous colors and textures, enabling your design consultant to choose mats ideally suited to your artwork. Standard mats measure 32×20 inches, with some colors offered in an oversized 60×102 inches. A mat is typically 4 ply, approximately 2mm thick. Certain mats are also produced in a limited color selection of 6 and 8 ply thicknesses. Thicker mats can produce a dramatic presentation, focusing the viewer's attention on the artwork.

Glazing is a protective coating applied to clear glass or acrylic used in framing that remains invisible to the human eye yet proves invaluable for protecting glass and acrylic. Your design consultant will assist you in selecting the most suitable glazing options for your artwork.

Ultraviolet light represents one of the most significant sources of damage to artwork. Standard glass and acrylic offer only minimal UV protection for your pieces. To safeguard your art, we provide a complete line of UV reflective glazing. A thin film is applied to the glass surface, delivering up to 99% protection from damaging UV rays. Choose conservation series glazing for your artwork and avoid displaying it in direct sunlight or beneath any ultraviolet source, and you can be confident your framed piece will endure for years.

Sealing the back of the frame accomplishes two objectives. First, it creates an aesthetically pleasing appearance by concealing how the artwork is attached within the frame. Second, it offers protection against insects and dust. Insects deposit their eggs inside frames because the cellulose in paper serves as a food source for their offspring. Two acceptable methods exist for sealing the frame back. The most common approach uses kraft paper. Available in both brown and black, this durable paper withstands many years of use and is attached to the frame using double-sided tape. The second method is taping, which is primarily used in Europe. This technique employs two-inch wide points. While effective, it permits the viewer to see the backing board and may detach over time. Metal frames, due to their channel construction, are not sealed on the back.