Using good framing and matting supplies

Using good framing and matting supplies. Everyone cherishes the important events that happen once in a lifetime. Weddings and graduations, as well as trips to faraway places evoke fond memories. Participants in these events will want to remember them with quality photographs that will be displayed in their homes or places of business. When it comes to selecting appropriate photo framing supplies for your special photographs, you will want to consider the value of archival grade mounting.

When it comes to the matboard and the mount board, acid free materials offer the best protection for your fine photography. Picture framing supplies that contain acid can damage the photographs that come in contact with them. Acidic picture framing supplies can leave brown marks on the photograph, which may be hard to impossible to repair.

By using photo framing supplies that are acid free, you achieve the long unblemished life of the piece of art framed to archival grade mounting standards. The matboard used holds another key to the longevity of the art within the frame. The mat allows space between the glass or acrylic to be used to protect the art beneath it. Damage to the photograph can also occur if the glass comes in contact with the art, so matboard can be used to separate the two.

With archival grade mounting, the photograph does not come into direct contact with the mount board. Instead, it can be attached by several different means, all of which should consist of acid free framing and matting supplies. Photo corners can be used to attach the photograph to the mount board. The best for archival quality use are made of mylar or polypropylene. The mylar corners slip over the edges of the photograph, so that it is not permanently attached to the mount board. Another benefit that comes from using this method is that it allows for atmospheric temperature changes, which can cause the artwork, the frame and the mat to expand and contract, and the photo corners allow for a bit of movement so that the artwork is not damaged.

Another method used for archival grade mounting is to use an acid free hinging tape to attach the mat board to the mount board. Alternatively, you can also use hinging tape to attach the photograph to the mat. Both of these methods work well to keep the picture centered beneath the mat.

Light, humidity and temperature fluctuations can all pose a threat to your valuable photographs, but with archival grade mounting they should be safe for many years to come.

Susan Slobac is an avid photographer. Susan believes a picture frame is more than just fashion; it's a safeguard for something you love.