Couture’s uses preservation methods and materials appropriate for each framing project. Inside each framing package is a unique preservation support system. We include the use of different preservation materials to suit each piece of art. Materials may include the following:
• Acid-free matting
• Acrylic spacers
• Reversible hinging tapes and papers
• Japanese rice paper hinges and rice starch paste
• Conservation corner mounts and strips
• Barrier tapes, rabbet tapes, and fillet tapes
• Ultraviolet protecting glass or Plexiglass
• Museum Glass or Museum Plexiglass
• Acid-free backing and barrier papers

Preservation Framing is the use of framing methods and materials approved by the US Library of Congress for custom picture framing. Many framers use the term Preservation Framing interchangeably with Archival or Conservation framing.
The picture framing industry and the Library of Congress now use the term Preservation Framing, which more accurately describes what we do. Preservation Framing serves the purpose of preserving and protecting artwork in as close to original condition as possible for a long period of time. For more detail, please refer to The US Library of Congress Guide to Preservation Matting & Framing and Fine Art Care and Treatment Standards (F.A.C.T.S.), an organization developed by framing industry leaders to standardize picture framing preservation practices.

To ensure our framing will stand the test of time, Couture’s uses the following methods and materials in the framing process:

Matting
The main purpose of matting is not just visual, but protective. Mats keep the glass from coming into contact with your artwork. This provides an air space to prevent damage due to condensation behind the glass. For other design options, we use liners, mat walls and acrylic spacers separate artwork from glass and acrylic.
     Couture’s uses only preservation quality acid-free and lignin free mat boards to protect your valuable art. These mats are available in solid core rag board (100% cotton) or with colored and textured surfaces over acid-free centers made from alphacellulose fibers. Bainbridge has a patented technological advantage with their ARTCARE line of mats. Embedded in their mat boards and acid-free foamcore boards are micro chambers, which trap impurities and protect art from the effects of pollution, paper degradation and the byproducts of the art’s own aging. Photographs and prints respond well to this MicroChamber Technology, which prevents accelerated yellowing.

Hanging and Mounting the Art
Fine art must be secured in a way that will accommodate changes in the art itself. In most cases, we hinge art on paper from the top so that the art will not buckle as it expands and contracts. Hinges should be reversible and should not alter the art substantially. At Couture’s we suit the type of hinging materials to the requirements of the art. Fabrics are usually sewn in place. Three-dimensional objects require varying types of attachments. Non-adhesive attachments, such as polypropylene film corners may be used to support documents, magazines, and valuable art on paper. In all cases, we strive for invisible and reversible methods. We also mount inexpensive posters to foamcore board using a vacuum/heat press. The main benefit of this treatment is to prevent waving of the poster behind the glass or Plex.

Glazing the Art
Ultraviolet light is present in nearly all forms of light, including sunlight, incandescent light, fluorescent light, and halogen light. UV light exposure causes artwork to fade, yellow, and become brittle. Although UV protective products will slow such deterioration, it is still important to hang valuable art away from direct sources of ultraviolet light. Moreover, ultraviolet light is not the only source of fading. Conditions such as heat, pollution and humidity will affect the possible discoloration and fading of artwork. Artwork may also be discolored and damaged by the use of poor quality framing materials.
Couture’s uses a variety of UV protective glass and acrylic in both clear and non-glare options. For budget picture framing needs, we also feature
similar products without UV protection.

Museum Glass provides the same UV blocking protection of Conservation Clear and Conservation Reflection Control in that it blocks more than 99% of the ultraviolet rays in the 300-380 nm range. In addition, Museum Glass has a very special anti-reflective surface far superior to a typical non-glare glass. A special coating is used in extremely thin layers to break up the incoming light rays so that they don’t bounce back off the glass, producing a glare. Because the rays don’t bounce off, the picture is actually more illumionated than with clear glass. Clear glass transmits 91% of light to the artwork, while Museum Glass transmits more than 97% of light to the artwork. This improves color intensity and clarity.

Tru-Vue Museum Optimum Acrylic is the best acrylic choice for museum and original artwork or valued prints needing superior glare-free clarity and UV protection. Both Museum Glass and Museum Acrylic offer similar protective and visual advantages.
Tru-Vue Conservation Clear Glass (U.V. Glass) filters 99% of damaging ultraviolet light. This is our number one selling glass at Couture’s.
Tru-Vue Conservation Reflection Control Glass (Non-Glare U.V. Glass) has the same U.V. filtering quality as clear glass, but has an etched surface to reduce glare. This surface softens the image with a resulting slight loss in clarity and color intensity.
Tru-Vue Conservation Clear Acrylic (U.V. Plex) filters 98% of damaging ultraviolet light and provides an extremely clear view of the image without the slight greenish tint that is inherent in regular glass. Like other acrylic products, it is ideal for shipping and installing oversize pieces of art.
Conservation Reflection Control Acrylite (Non-Glare U.V. Plex) filters 98% of ultraviolet light and has an etched surface that is slightly less distorting than its glass equivalent. We use this product in many corporate installations where large windows produce glare, and we need an affordable acrylic product to reduce reflection.
Tru-Vue AR Conservation Clear Acrylite (Abrasion Resistant U.V. Plex) is similar to U.V. plex with the addition of a scrath-resistant surface. This product is ideal for office installations where janitorial services may be cleaning the framed artwork.
Tru-Vue Premium Clear Glass is a quality clear picture framing glass fo budget projects that do not require U.V. protection.
Tru-Vue Premium Clear Acrylite (Clear Plex) is a general purpose, defect-free acrylic for picture framing without UV protection.



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