As framing is one of the most important facets of art collecting, we have laid out what you should look for when selecting a framer.
Not all framers are created equal. Most framers might be suitable for a family photograph, but not many have the right materials to protect your prints and other artworks over a long period (see our guide on how long you should hold your art collection).
This guideline attempts to help you select a framer that understands the value of your collection and knows how to treat it best to ensure its long-term integrity.
What to look for in a framer?
Above all else, you will want a framer that offers ‘archival framing’ and/or ‘museum-grade framing’.
Both archival and museum-grade framing follow the framing standards set out by the Fine Art Trade Guild (FATG) to ensure the long-term protection of artwork.
If a framer offers the framing archival framing, they will likely be certified by the FATG, declaring that they use these standards. A certified framer is the safest bet for art collectors needing to protect their investments.
Final thoughts
Beware of the term “acid-free”. Some framers will claim they use acid-free materials, particularly as it relates to mounting boards. But, be aware, the term can be a little misleading, and acid-free does not necessarily mean that the materials will not damage your work over time.
Rather, acid-free means that the material is neutral at the time they were manufactured, but it does not guarantee that the material will not go acidic over time. Materials can turn acidic through the exposure to elements like light and heat. Again, the term “archival” is critical in this respect. Archival quality products guarantee that materials like framing tape and mounting boards stay acid-free over time.