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Framing
Conservation/Archival Framing
Complete Framing Solution for Interior Designers & Corporate Clients Conservation/Archival Framing 
Preservation/Conservation/Archival Framing is a method of picture framing that protects and preserves artwork. If artwork is not properly framed in this way, it can quickly succumb to the damaging effects of light, humidity, acid in the framing materials, dust or insects. Be sure to take an unframed artwork to a professional picture framer, trained in the proper techniques and materials for archival framing, to ensure the protection and beauty of your artwork for many generations. At MiMa we offer top museum quality archival framing. Methods and Materials The real purpose of matting, besides it’s aesthetic use, is that it creates an air space between the art and the glazing. This space helps to dissipate moisture and thus prevent the art from becoming fused to the glass. We use archival quality, acid-free mounting boards: the “Alphamat Artcare” System from Nielsen-Bainbridge. Our preference is for a slightly off-white colour, as close a colour match to the paper as possible, in order to maintain a simple and elegant presentation which will not present décor conflicts!  However, when printing editions at MiMa, we place each image precisely on the paper, which is heavyweight and therefore holds its shape. So for reasons of elegance and simplicity we generally prefer to attach a hidden Perspex spacer to the inside of the frame to elevate the glazing off the artwork in place of a mat.The wood is sealed on the inside of the frame, hidden from view, to prevent the transmigration of acids from the wood to the artwork, mount, backing, etc.  Archival quality linen hinges are used (instead of dry mounting for example) to attach the artwork to the backing or mount board, securing the artwork whilst ensuring it’s long-term integrity. Archival quality mounting boards or foamcore boards (from Nielsen-Bainbridge), sealed with an aluminum tape, protect artwork from pollutants entering the back of the framed piece.
Glass or Acrylic? / UV or not UV?  Ultraviolet light can fade, deteriorate or yellow artwork. UV glass and acrylic filters 97% of the harmful light (as compared to about 47% with regular glass), effectively doubling the life of the giclee prints from 100 to 200 years. The downside is, acrylic scratches easily and neither UV glass or acrylic come cheap. Quotes on request, otherwise at MiMa all frame prices are for standard picture glass.
What you can do to protect your artwork  Hang framed pictures on your wall. Not only can you enjoy your artwork, but also framed works do much better on the wall than in storage. Move artwork around occasionally to change the amount and direction of light exposure and keep your artwork out of direct sunlight, even with conservation glass or acrylic glazing.  Store your artwork carefully. Whenever possible, store artwork in a climate-controlled space similar to your living space. Where you are comfortable, it will be comfortable. Do not store artwork in an attic, a garage or a basement where temperature extremes and humidity will be damaging. If you notice signs of moisture within the frame, dismantle the frame carefully, removing backing board, artwork and any mat boards from the frame and allow them to dry properly. If the moisture is extensive or there are signs of mildew, take the artwork to a trained framing professional or picture conservator.If you have any questions about framing your limited edition print, please contact us.
Canvas Stretching / Gallery Wrap / Museum Wrap
We can stretch canvases
with 'museum wrap' edges (a border printed or taped in black or a color to
compliment the image, which wraps around the side of the wooden
stretcher) or a 'gallery wrap' / 'mirror wrap', as shown on the right, and
ship them ready to hang.
 Once we know your requirements, we will indicate a lead time and quote you based on sizes, quantities, construction and depth of stretchers (up to 2"). We approach each job separately rather than charge a specific rate in order to give you the best possible price. Superior Stretchers (Available on request and used as standard on larger sizes)
Made of birch plywood, the modular construction enables us to build stretchers to any size, e.g. a panorama of 40 inches by 20 feet, without any of the warping or movement that can be a problem in other stretchers. Quarter inch quarter round on the top outside edge prevents cracking of the canvas as it wraps around the edge, at the same time suspending the canvas off the surface of the plywood.
Complete Framing Solution for Corporate Clients
In consultation with the client we will design a complete framing solution for a particular project. This could be a 'family' of mouldings, having the same profile at different sizes - from the modern approach of simple elegance to the ornate, using sophisticated computerized routing equipment that will carve any design. (We can carve architectural mouldings, panels and doors too!)
illustrated: part of the frame manufacturing workshop
The final look could be a natural wood finish, perhaps stained, or any colour can be applied, allowing precise coordination with decor, fabrics, furniture, etc.
We use the elegant range of aluminium mouldings manufactured by NielsenBainbridge. We choose this company because of their environmental policies, for which their manufacturing plant in Germany has received awards. |
