Conservation & Archival Framing in Cape Town
Valuable and irreplaceable artworks deserve more than a beautiful frame. They need to be framed using materials and techniques that help protect them for years to come.
At Craft Picture Framers in Claremont, Cape Town, we offer professional conservation and archival framing for original artworks, limited-edition prints, works on paper, historical documents, photographs and sentimental pieces where long-term preservation is particularly important.
We regularly frame valuable works for private collectors, artists and galleries where archival or museum-grade framing materials are required.
Why Conservation Framing Matters
Works on paper can be particularly vulnerable to deterioration. Paper naturally reacts to changes in humidity, light, pollutants and the materials it comes into contact with.
Poor-quality framing materials can accelerate this process. Over time, acidic mountboards, backing boards and unsuitable adhesives may cause yellowing, staining, brittleness and other permanent damage.
Older works on paper often show evidence of this, particularly when they have spent decades in frames made with non-archival materials.
Conservation framing is designed to reduce these risks by using carefully selected materials and mounting methods that protect the artwork without permanently altering it.
Archival Mountboards & Backing Materials
The materials immediately surrounding an artwork are extremely important.
For conservation framing, we use high-quality acid-free archival mountboards designed for the long-term framing and preservation of artwork.
We also pay careful attention to what sits behind the artwork. Our conservation framing can include archival-grade foamboard together with an additional archival mountboard barrier, creating further separation between the artwork and the backing of the frame.
This helps create a stable environment around the artwork and reduces unnecessary contact with potentially harmful materials.
Reversible Archival Mounting
How an artwork is attached inside the frame is just as important as the materials surrounding it.
Where appropriate, works on paper are mounted using archival hinging techniques rather than being permanently glued to a backing board.
Small hinges support the artwork while still allowing the paper to expand and contract naturally as environmental conditions change.
The aim is to make the framing process as reversible and non-invasive as possible, so the artwork can be removed from the frame in the future without unnecessary alteration or damage.
We avoid ordinary masking tapes, packing tapes and other unsuitable adhesives that can yellow, harden or leave permanent residue on valuable paper.
Protecting Artwork From Light
Light is another major cause of deterioration, particularly for watercolours, photographs, prints and other works on paper.
Extended exposure to ultraviolet light can contribute to fading and changes in paper and pigments over time.
For valuable or light-sensitive artwork, we can recommend UV-protective glazing, including premium Art Glass, depending on the level of protection and clarity required.
Art Glass offers excellent optical clarity together with significantly reduced reflections, allowing the artwork to be viewed more naturally while also providing a high level of UV protection.
Protection From Dust & Contaminants
A well-constructed conservation frame should also help limit the amount of dust and airborne contaminants that can reach the artwork.
Where appropriate, we seal the glazing, mountboards and backing system to create an additional barrier around the framed work.
This often-overlooked part of the framing process helps keep the interior of the frame cleaner and provides another layer of protection for important pieces.
When Should You Choose Conservation Framing?
We generally recommend conservation or archival framing for:
Not every picture requires full conservation framing. We can assess the artwork and recommend an appropriate level of protection based on its value, age, materials and where it will be displayed.
Conservation Framing in Cape Town
If you have an artwork that is valuable, fragile or simply impossible to replace, bring it to Craft Picture Framers at The Stadium on Main in Claremont, Cape Town.
We can examine the piece, discuss the different archival mounting, matboard and glazing options available, and design a frame that complements the artwork while helping to protect it for the future.