Framing a picture means more than just picking out the frame. It also means choosing a glazing (if one is going to be used) of glass or acrylic, a mat, and choosing from a variety of other options. All are very personal decisions that we are here to help make easy. Our focus is on preservation of your artwork, and we utilize all appropriate materials based on your needs, budget and taste.
The following information will help to explain the various options available.
CONSERVATION CLEAR: Offers the highest level of ultra violet filtering protection available; blocks up to 99% of ultraviolet light rays to protect against fading; our most popular glass.
CONSERVATION REFLECTION CONTROL: Blocks up to 99% of ultraviolet rays; matte finish.
MUSEUM: Lowest possible reflection rating available with ultraviolet protection; optimal clarity; over 97% light transmission allows for the highest levels of brightness and contrast.
PREMIUM CLEAR: Not conservation grade; blocks 45% of harmful indoor and outdoor ultraviolet light rays; ‘regular’ glass.
REFLECTION CONTROL: Not conservation grade; blocks 45% of harmful indoor and outdoor ultraviolet light rays; non-glare matte finish; also referred to as non-glare glass.
OPTIUM MUSEUM: Effectively blocks up to 99% of harmful indoor and outdoor ultraviolet light rays; anti-static and anti-reflective coating; lowest possible reflection rating possible with ultraviolet protection; highest brightness and contrast levels available allows for optimal clarity.
OPTIUM: A lightweight, anti-reflective, anti-static, clear-coated acrylic; effectively blocks up to 93% of harmful indoor and outdoor ultraviolet light rays.
CONSERVATION CLEAR (OP3): Provides 99% ultraviolet protection to help protect art from fading by blocking harmful indoor and outdoor light rays; our most popular acrylic.
CONSERVATION REFLECTION CONTROL: Provides 99% ultraviolet protection; matte finish gives glare-free viewing.
PREMIUM CLEAR: Blocks 66% ultraviolet protection; general purpose glazing.
BEST: Cotton
Ragmat meets museum conservation standards; made of strong cotton fibers which are naturally acid-free and lignin-free (a polymer that provides stiffness); cotton is annually renewable and environmentally friendly; surface papers are pigmented for fade and bleed resistance; suitable for items of historical significance and valuable pieces of all kinds (art, documents)
BETTER: Alpha cellulose
Acid-free and lignin-free; surface papers are pigmented for fade and bleed resistance; suitable for conservation framing of fine-art prints and limited edition works and photos.
GOOD: Wood-pulp matboard: We do not use or recommend.
Mats can also be enhanced by linen or silk for a dressier look, have a fillet added for dimension and texture, or have a decorative panel added for warmth and variety.
METAL: Complete line of Nielsen frames, every color and shape available; modern, updated profiles along with the old favorites.
WOOD: Over 2000 samples available to meet every need.
LEATHER: Stunning frames, handmade in Peru; can be custom made in any size.
ACRYLIC: Fabulous contemporary line with bold and matte colors and patterns, to be mixed and matched; custom designed and made to enhance your artwork.
GOLD/SILVER FINISH: Great for wedding and housewarming gifts.
GOLD CARAT AND SILVER LEAF: Handmade in Romania, can be custom made in any size.
Sources: www.Tru-Vue.com; www.nielsen-bainbridge.com; www.crescentcardboard.com
