Conservation Framing: Double Glass and Photo Restoration

100 Year Old Original

This drawing is over 100 years old and is stained and torn. Old paper is very fragile and vulnerable to light, which can cause fading over time. The recommended method of preserving such artwork is to frame it using conservation grade glass, which blocks 99% of UV light, and to store it in the dark. This method is not exactly ideal if you want to show off your precious keepsakes!

To protect this piece, a digital copy was made and restored using Photoshop.  

The duplicate is framed in the usual manner in the front of the frame. Complementary coloured, acid free mat boards were selected for the restored image. A  white 100% cotton mat is placed on the original, which is placed in the same frame, in reverse order, facing the wall. No adhesives were used on the artwork. A piece of Mylar film, held in place by the mat board, suspends the image against the acid free foam core backing. UV glass was offered, but as the original will be facing the wall, away from UV rays, the customer opted for regular clear, which blocks 48% of UV light. 

Framing Layers, top to bottom:

Glass, buffered acid free mat board, duplicate image, acid free foam core,original image, Mylar film, 100% cotton mat board, glass, and a final piece of cotton mat board to protect the glass from the framer's points.

 The final piece hangs from Wall Buddies instead of wire, which protect the back glass from scratching and provide added stability on the wall. This method was the perfect solution for our customer to showcase a treasured piece of family history and preserve it for future generations. 

This post by: Megan 

Edit: Originally posted on August 8, 2013