An artwork is the prized possession of you and it’s your responsibility to take care of it. You should do everything to help it survive through the test of time. A picture frame is something on which you can rely as far as protecting your artwork from environmental hazards is concerned. A beautiful and quality picture frame can help your artwork both with looks and protection.

A beautifully designed and matted framed can protect and visually enhance your artwork. Beside this picture frame has a practical and economic consideration as well, a framed artwork attracts more viewers and can be sold more easily and quickly. A good picture frame selection is an art itself and requires both good taste and some basic knowledge of picture framing. The better educated you are about the protection and conservation of your artwork from environmental hazards, better it will be for your artwork. Some of the dangers to which your artwork is prone to is mentioned below:

Protecting against LIGHT

Though it may sound strange but light is perhaps the most common and greatest danger for artwork on papers. Ultraviolet radiation, the invisible short wave component of light is the most destructive element for your paper. The source of ultraviolet radiation is both natural and artificial in the form of natural daylight and fluorescent light. To avoid damage from light you should never hang your art directly in the sunlight or too close to a bright fluorescent light. Thus a good high quality picture frame can help your artwork survive the test of time.

Protecting against MOISTURE

The moisture which is present in the paper or in the environment can be the detrimental factor for your artwork. The moisture present can combine with sulphate ions in the presence of iron resulting in the formation of sulphuric acid. This acid destroys your paper and the artwork on it. Another danger that moisture can bring upon is the mould. Due to moisture, mould thrives and grows on the paper appearing as dull rust-colored patches called “foxing”. So to avoid the impact of moisture on your artwork proper picture frame is required.

Protecting against INSECTS

Insects like silverfish, termite, cockroach, woodworm, etc can bring significant damage to your artwork. These insects thrives and grow with the passage of time and destroy your artwork. Though termites and woodworm usually grows on wood but they are enemies of anything which is made of cellulose, including paper. These insects will slowly and steadily get into your artwork and devour the flour paste and glue sizing. The damage these insects will bring is irreparable and you can only stop them by a quality picture frame.

Protecting against HEAT

Heat falling directly on your artwork can also destroy it completely. Exposing your artwork to heat will lead to deterioration of paper because of the high temperature. Never hang your artwork near direct or even indirect heat as even the ashes containing sulphate can damage the artwork. Keep your artwork away and safe from getting too much heat. A well designed and high-quality picture frame can help you with protecting your artwork against heat.

The next task in your hand is to search for an ideal framer who can give you right alternatives at an affordable price. Apart from choosing the right the right design, shape and size, proper importance should be given towards material used for the frame. You can trust the framer’s professional advice if you have chosen the right one. Professinal framers like PaintboxArt & Framing can advice you to choose the right frame according to your need & Budget. Just remember one thing that there is no one-size-fits-all strategy in frame picking. You have to keep in mind that framing is a form of visual communication. The better your communication would be, the better it would be for your artwork. A better “finish” in framing is well worth the extra time and investment in the long run.