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ABOUT FRAMES
Frame
Typically made of wood or metal, the frame provides the architectural as well as decorative support for a work of art. Frames can be built in all sizes and shapes and come in a variety of styles and colors to enhance your artwork.
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Glazing
A sheet of glass or acrylic that helps to protect the work of art from the surrounding environment. Glazing should never come into contact with the art. There are several types of glazing including UV (ultraviolet), non-glare, and anti-reflective. Ultraviolet filtering glazing is a standard element of preservation framing. It helps to protect the art from light damage.
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Window Mat
A border of mat board, placed over a print, photograph, etc., to serve not only as a design element but as a spacer between the art and the glazing. Mat board, commonly in 4-ply thickness, comes in different colors, and textures. The quality can vary greatly. For preservation framing the mat board should be 100 percent cotton (rag) or alpha cellulose (lignin-free) and buffered.
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Air Space
A space between the art and the glazing in a frame. It should be big enough to ensure the art will not come in contact with the glazing.
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Hinge
They are made from Japanese paper and, generally, used with wheat or rice starch paste. Hinges are one type of preservation mounting. They are used to hold the art to the back mat while allowing it to expand and contract with minor changes in temperature and humidity.
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Back Mat/Mounting Board
A preservation quality mat board on which the art is attached.
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Filler Board
A board, generally foamboard, used in the back of a frame assembly to occupy a vacant space or provide rigidity.
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Dust Cover
A final backing material, usually paper, that covers the entire back of a frame to prevent dust from entering the package.
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Bumper
A small self-adhesive pad, made of rubber, cork or felt that is fixed to the bottom corners of the dust cover or back of the frame to hold the frame away from the wall. In addition to preventing the frame from marring your walls, bumpers provide air circulation important to the preservation of the art.
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