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Logan's Complete Guide to Picture Framing
Grappling with Conversation and Archival Mounting Concerns
Guide Navigation
Introduction to Picture Framing & Matting
Designing Your Picture Frames and Mats
Measuring and Sizing Picture Frames and Mats
Costs of Picture Framing
DIY Picture Frames
Mat Cutting
Mat Cutter Choices
Mat Cutting Help, Troubleshooting and FAQs
Mounting Your Artwork
Glazing with Glass and Plastic
Securing or Fitting your Artwork in a Picture Frame
Finishing Your Artwork

In a typical conservation or archival frame job, the main objective is keep acid-bearing materials out of direct contact with the artwork. Untreated acid-bearing materials can seep acid which, when in contact with artwork, leaves a brown hazy effect called acid burn. Acid burn is a stain that permanently damages and devalues artwork. Materials used in conservation and archival framing are acid free for the express purpose of safeguarding artwork so it retains its value.

It stands to reason, therefore, that any mounting technique that might cause artwork to lose its value would also be off the table. Bearing this in mind, the process of coating a piece of artwork with adhesive and permanently sticking it down would not be considered archival, since sticking anything permanently to anything else tends to devalue it. For this reason the first method of mounting, called permanent mounting, should only be used for artwork unlikely to increase in value over time.

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