Archival Framing (Conservation Framing)

It is generally assumed that ‘archival’ implies the use of materials, products or processes that are durable, of long life and suitable for conservation purposes. Basically, acid-free materials are used during the framing process, such as mat board, mount board and acrylic that are designed to help preserve and protect the artwork from the damage and degradation caused by acids, light and pollution. This includes components made pH neutral or slightly alkaline to help with acidity, those with UV protection to help with light and pollution. Examples of archival materials are museum quality 100% cotton rag matboards and 99% UV filtering conservation glass or acrylic.