When you’re spending the time to create a custom picture frame and preserve a print or piece of artwork, you want to make sure that you’re getting all the right materials. But with all these terms — archival, museum-quality and photo-safe — it may be confusing to know what they all mean.
The Terminology of Conservation Framing
There are a number of terms that are used when describing picture frames and their various materials: acid-free, archival, conservation quality, and museum-quality, to name a few. While these terms can be useful to convey certain characteristics of the products you’ll be using, these aren’t legal or standardized terms, according to the Image Permanence Institute.
One terms that the IPI uses itself, however, is photo-safe. This term means that the picture framing supplies comply with ISO 18902, the international standard that outlines the requirements for album, storage and picture framing materials that prevent damage to printed images.
The Photo-Safe Tests
ISO 18902 covers all types of picture framing materials, including paper and paperboard (i.e. mat board and mounting board), plastic, metal, adhesives and tapes, glazing, and more. Each type of material has its own requirements, so mat board won’t necessarily follow the same “rules” as an adhesive, for example.
A number of tests can be carried out to ensure that the material complies with the restrictions:
Photographic Activity Test (PAT)
A requirement for all framing materials, the Photographic Activity Test, commonly known as the PAT, is also its own international standard (ISO 18916). There are two types of this test: the Standard PAT (Black & White) and the Color PAT (Dye Coupler Reactivity), the latter of which is always tested alongside the Standard.
This test determines whether there are any chemical interactions between the picture framing material and a photograph. The material is placed in an incubator with controlled temperature and humidity, which simulates aging. Two detectors are used: one tests for oxidation and reduction reactions, which cause fading, spots and silver mirroring, while the other tests for chromophores, which cause yellowing.
pH and Alkaline Reserve Tests
The pH test determines whether the framing material — generally a paper product such as mat board or mounting board — is acidic, neutral or basic. Acid is a natural enemy of art, so this test can be of utmost importance, and it is used for both paper products as well as adhesives. The test is straightforward: a sample of the material is soaked in distilled water, and then the pH is measured.
The alkaline reserve test measures the percentage of alkaline reserve of the paper, meaning how much acid it would take to neutralize the alkaline buffering. Paper-based materials must have an alkali reserve of at least 2% calcium carbonate to pass this test.
Kappa Number Test (Lignin Content)
The Kappa Number Test will show the level of lignin in the paper product. Lignin produces acid, so ensuring that the level of lignin is not excessive helps determine how long the print can last when in contact with a certain framing material.
With this test, the paper product reacts with potassium permanganate; afterwards, the amount of permanganate is measured. The more lignin in the product, the less potassium permanganate there will be left. These tests are only used on paper products.
Colorant Bleed Test
This test is used on colored paper-based products and labeling materials, as they use dye or pigments that can spread to other materials when in contact with water. With this test, the paper or labeling material is pressed against bond paper in distilled water. Afterwards, the bond paper is examined to see how much of the dye or pigment transferred to it.
Additional Photo-Safe Requirements
There may be other requirements for certain materials beyond these tests to ensure they’re still photo-safe, and they can be pretty specific. Adhesives, for example, cannot be rubber-based, while paper products such as mat board cannot be made of post-consumer recycled paper. Plastics — such as those used in photo corners — must not contain plasticizers or chlorinate, nitrate or acetate plastic.
Many of the products that Frame Destination has determined “archival quality” or “museum grade” pass at least one of these tests. Some manufacturers have had their own products tested to be able to call them “photo safe,” such as Lineco’s photo corners, but you should always read the fine print if you’re planning to preserve your prints.
When you’re spending the time to create a custom picture frame and preserve a print or piece of artwork, you want to make sure that you’re getting all the right materials. But with all these terms — archival, museum-quality and photo-safe — it may be confusing to know what they all mean. The Terminology of […]
When you’re spending the time to create a custom picture frame and preserve a print or piece of artwork, you want to make sure that you’re getting all the right materials. But with all these terms — archival, museum-quality and photo-safe — it may be confusing to know what they all mean.
The Terminology of Conservation Framing
There are a number of terms that are used when describing picture frames and their various materials: acid-free, archival, conservation quality, and museum-quality, to name a few. While these terms can be useful to convey certain characteristics of the products you’ll be using, these aren’t legal or standardized terms, according to the Image Permanence Institute.
One terms that the IPI uses itself, however, is photo-safe. This term means that the picture framing supplies comply with ISO 18902, the international standard that outlines the requirements for album, storage and picture framing materials that prevent damage to printed images.
The Photo-Safe Tests
ISO 18902 covers all types of picture framing materials, including paper and paperboard (i.e. mat board and mounting board), plastic, metal, adhesives and tapes, glazing, and more. Each type of material has its own requirements, so mat board won’t necessarily follow the same “rules” as an adhesive, for example.
A number of tests can be carried out to ensure that the material complies with the restrictions:
Photographic Activity Test (PAT)
A requirement for all framing materials, the Photographic Activity Test, commonly known as the PAT, is also its own international standard (ISO 18916). There are two types of this test: the Standard PAT (Black & White) and the Color PAT (Dye Coupler Reactivity), the latter of which is always tested alongside the Standard.
This test determines whether there are any chemical interactions between the picture framing material and a photograph. The material is placed in an incubator with controlled temperature and humidity, which simulates aging. Two detectors are used: one tests for oxidation and reduction reactions, which cause fading, spots and silver mirroring, while the other tests for chromophores, which cause yellowing.
pH and Alkaline Reserve Tests
The pH test determines whether the framing material — generally a paper product such as mat board or mounting board — is acidic, neutral or basic. Acid is a natural enemy of art, so this test can be of utmost importance, and it is used for both paper products as well as adhesives. The test is straightforward: a sample of the material is soaked in distilled water, and then the pH is measured.
The alkaline reserve test measures the percentage of alkaline reserve of the paper, meaning how much acid it would take to neutralize the alkaline buffering. Paper-based materials must have an alkali reserve of at least 2% calcium carbonate to pass this test.
Kappa Number Test (Lignin Content)
The Kappa Number Test will show the level of lignin in the paper product. Lignin produces acid, so ensuring that the level of lignin is not excessive helps determine how long the print can last when in contact with a certain framing material.
With this test, the paper product reacts with potassium permanganate; afterwards, the amount of permanganate is measured. The more lignin in the product, the less potassium permanganate there will be left. These tests are only used on paper products.
Colorant Bleed Test
This test is used on colored paper-based products and labeling materials, as they use dye or pigments that can spread to other materials when in contact with water. With this test, the paper or labeling material is pressed against bond paper in distilled water. Afterwards, the bond paper is examined to see how much of the dye or pigment transferred to it.
Additional Photo-Safe Requirements
There may be other requirements for certain materials beyond these tests to ensure they’re still photo-safe, and they can be pretty specific. Adhesives, for example, cannot be rubber-based, while paper products such as mat board cannot be made of post-consumer recycled paper. Plastics — such as those used in photo corners — must not contain plasticizers or chlorinate, nitrate or acetate plastic.
Many of the products that Frame Destination has determined “archival quality” or “museum grade” pass at least one of these tests. Some manufacturers have had their own products tested to be able to call them “photo safe,” such as Lineco’s photo corners, but you should always read the fine print if you’re planning to preserve your prints.
When you’re spending the time to create a custom picture frame and preserve a print or piece of artwork, you want to make sure that you’re getting all the right materials. But with all these terms — archival, museum-quality and photo-safe — it may be confusing to know what they all mean. The Terminology of […]
The holidays are just around the corner, and it’s time to start checking off your gift list. If you have a photographer, artist or dedicated DIYer in your circle of family and friends, skip the standard holiday gifts and get them something they’ll treasure. We’ve put together our top picks for creative gifts - all under $50 so you can spread the holiday cheer and get a little something for yourself too.
Framed Scratch-off Travel Map
USA Scratch Map, Uncommongoods.com, $30
Perfect for travel photographers who want to see it all — or the artists who want to paint their version of the world — a scratch-off travel map lets recipients watch as their travel stories grow. Also available in pushpin varieties, a travel map of the US, the world or anything in between lets them relive their past travels as they document their new adventures. Frame the map in an elegant wood frame or modern metal frame before gifting so that it’s ready to display as soon as they receive it.
Artists Sock Gift Set
The Artists Socks Gift Set, ChattyFeet.com, $39.38
Photographers and artists who like to practice their craft outside could always use some cozy socks. These socks, designed with some of the world’s most famous artists, are not only cozy — they’re quirky enough to show off a little bit of creativity. The four-pair set transform feet into Frida Kahlo, Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso and Vincent Van Gogh in funky colors and unique artwork. If your recipient is more into modern art, the modern artists gift set features artists such as Salvador Dali and Piet Mondrian, stylized in the art for which they’re known.
Do-It-Together Holiday Decor
Shadow Box, FrameDestination.com, starts at $21.90
Crafters often have closets full of supplies, but there’s always room for a few more. A shadow box frame — in other words, a frame with a very deep rabbet — is perfect for the holiday season, as they’re excellent homes for DIY holiday decor. Make this a project for you to do together by including the materials for holiday shadow boxes, such Christmas ornaments, themed craft paper and other themed items. You can even make it a set and include items for all the seasons, creating a project that can last a whole year
Frame Destination Ar-Tee
Ar-Tee, FrameDestination.com, $19.95
Creatives are in the business of “expression” — and now they can express themselves and their passion for art and photography with these ultra-soft Heritage T-shirts featuring your FBF (Framer’s Best Friend), Artie. The fun photo-inspired Ar-Tee pays tribute to all of Artie's favorite photographers and shutterbugs, while the fine art-inspired version lets Artie celebrate all his fab artistic friends. With these unique, playful sentiments, this T-shirt makes a great gift for all the creatives on your list. And while you’re there, pick up our Limited Edition True Blue Ar-Tee for yourself — only available while supplies last!
Custom Hand-Painted Mugs, Cups and More
Fox mug with birch trees, Essex Studio, $27.00
Artists love to support other artists, so give your creative friends and family members a hand-painted item of their creative icon, favorite animal, seasonal scenery, or a completely unique design. Sites such as Etsy are chock full of independent artists of all types of talents across the world, so you can always find what you’re looking for. If you're into custom prints, try a design template for photoshop and then have it printed onto the mug through a site like Zazzle. The mug above is from Essex Studio, a small shop in New York that specializes in hand-painted glassware of woodland creatures and farm animals. Another series, painted by Los Angeles artist Meena Kumar, depicts famous female icons such as Frida Kahlo in a mosaic style, while Utah artist Rachel Kozlowski paints whimsical pet portraits on all sorts of household items.
Shadow Box Bank
Honey Fund Shadow Box Bank, FrameDestination.com, starts at $21.90
There’s always the latest equipment, high-end supplies or new project that creatives want to undertake but can’t yet afford. If you can’t fund the entire gift, create a custom savings shadow box to help them save. You can decorate the inside of the shadow box to perfectly represent the item they want: use a print of the exotic land they’ve been dying to visit and paint, or an image of that camera lens they’ve been eyeing.
To create this unique gift, order the shadow box in the size of your print with a piece of 3/16-inch backing board. Order a piece of standard acrylic separately that is two inches smaller than your frame size.
Example: If your print is 11x14 inches, order a frame kit with a piece of 3/16-inch foam core. If the print is horizontal, order the acrylic at 9x14. If it’s vertical, order it at 11x12. Note that “Honey Fund” tag is not included, but you can easily make your own custom tag with card stock and colored sharpie markers —and don’t forget to slip in some cash to start them off!
Monthly Subscription Box for Crafters and Artists
Monthly craft box, AdultsandCrafts.com, $33.00
Subscription boxes are a popular gift, but many don’t realize it’s not just food and wine. Monthly subscription boxes specifically made for crafters and artists have grown in popularity, and there are now dozens from which to choose: Adults and Crafts offers themed kits that include everything you need for Pinterest-worthy crafts, while Scrapbooking Store sends handpicked scrapbooking supplies in a monthly package. For the artsy types, try ArtSnacks or SketchBox, which offer monthly shipments of high-quality art supplies.
Frame Destination Gift Card
Gift card, FrameDestination.com, $5.00-1,000
You can never go wrong with a gift card. A Frame Destination gift card can be the perfect standalone gift — especially for photographers and artists who regularly need ready-made picture frames and other framing supplies — or a companion gift, such as with a scratch-off travel map. Including a gift card for a picture frame can also help make your present even more personal: your recipient gets to choose how to frame that print you’ve specially selected or piece of original artwork.
The holidays are just around the corner, and it’s time to start checking off your gift list. If you have a photographer, artist or dedicated DIYer in your circle of family and friends, skip the standard holiday gifts and get them something they’ll treasure. We’ve put together our top picks for creative gifts – all under […]
It may be tempting to use any household glue or adhesive tape for all your picture framing, but each type of picture framing adhesive is specially made for its own specific purpose.
Using other multipurpose glues or adhesive tape can result in discoloration, deterioration or even damage to your art or frame. Nobody wants that! Instead, here are a few tips that can help you prevent an expensive or irreversible adhesive mistake.
Photo Mounting Adhesive
The most common place to use adhesive in picture framing is attaching the photo to the mount board or mat board, depending on the method you choose. There are many different photo mounting techniques, each using a different type of adhesive: hinging tape or tissue, spray adhesive, and wheat or rice starch paste.
Hinging Tape and Tissue
Hinging tape can serve two purposes: it can be used to mount your photo to a mat board and to hinge the mat to the mount board. Hinging tape is thicker than hinging tissue, the latter of which is a transparent, thinner version that is used on translucent or lightweight artwork. These often use either a pressure-sensitive or water-activated adhesive.
Lineco’s Self-Adhesive Hinging Tape, Tyvek Tape, and Self-Adhesive Hinging Tissue all use a pressure-sensitive acrylic adhesive that is considered archival quality. Lineco’s Gummed Linen Hinging Tape and Gummed Paper Hinging Tape, which are made for heavier prints and artwork, both use a water-activated adhesive made with carbohydrate and protein, which features a neutral pH and is deemed safe for photos.
Personally, Lineco’s Self-Adhesive Linen Hinging Tape is my favorite when framing prints. It is quick and easy, as it’s a pressure sensitive tape, and I use it for both hinging the mat to the backing and hinging the print. For museum-grade framing or when mounting artwork on very thin paper, the Hinging Tissue should be used instead of Hinging Tape to hinge the artwork.
Most household pressure-sensitive tapes, such as office tape, masking tape and duct tape, should never be used in picture framing. The adhesives used in these products vary but can contain synthetic or natural rubber; rubber-based adhesives can become yellow, oily and sticky as they age, damaging the artwork to which it is attached. Acrylic adhesives, on the other hand, are much more stable over time and do not significantly discolor.
Spray Adhesive
Spray adhesives are used in wet mounting applications, which are irreversible. There are many different types available, but one of the most common is 3M Super 77 Spray Adhesive from Scotch, a multipurpose adhesive made with synthetic rubber. It’s incredibly strong, making it ideal for scrapbooking and other framing projects where the longevity of the artwork isn’t a consideration.
Starch-Based Adhesives
Some of the oldest types of adhesives — used by ancient Egyptians to bind papyrus — are starch-based pastes, which are made by cooking either rice or wheat. Starch adhesives are often used with special Japanese paper in conservation framing; the Lineco Museum Mounting Kit contains wheat starch adhesive, Japanese mulberry paper and linen cloth hinging tape.
The benefits to using starch adhesives are that it is reversible, meaning the artwork can be removed from the mount or mat board, and it is considered safe to use in preservation framing. On the downside, starch adhesives are weaker than acrylic or rubber adhesives and shouldn’t be used with heavy artwork. They also may be a little fussier to use, especially for someone who does not mount a lot of photos — but the sophistication of the end result may be worth it.
Other photo mounting techniques to be used in conservation-style framing are non-adhesive techniques. With these methods, you use photo corners and strips, whose adhesives never come in contact with the artwork.
Dust Cover Adhesives
In How to Attach a Dust Cover to a Picture Frame, two types of adhesives were discussed: ATG tape and liquid PVA glue.
Adhesive Transfer Tape
ATG tape, also called adhesive transfer tape, uses a special gun to apply a thin layer of adhesive. The three Scotch® adhesive transfer tapes carried by Frame Destination — including Gold 908, 924 and 969 — use a pressure-sensitive acrylic adhesive. Scotch Gold 908 is acid-free, but none of the adhesive transfer trapes should be used in direct contact with artwork.
Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA)
PVA glue is a versatile adhesive used in all types of projects, not just picture framing. Also called wood glue, school glue (Elmer’s Glue, known all across the U.S., is a type of PVA glue) and white glue due to its color before drying, liquid PVA (if formulated for use in conservation projects) can be used to attach dust covers, attach items in a shadow box and in scrapbooking. Lineco’s archival adhesive is one such PVA glue, and it is safe to use in framing projects.
Summing Up Adhesives
The right adhesives play an important role in picture framing. They can help you avoid damaging your art and preserve it for years to come. Whether it’s a photo-safe liquid glue or a roll of ATG tape, professional and amateur framers alike have their favorite adhesives when framing their art, each ideal for a specific purpose.
For a deeper dive into the world of adhesives and mounting, check out the "Mounting and Laminating Handbook" by Chris Paschke, sold right her on our website.
Do you have your own favorite picture framing adhesive? Let us know below!
Last Updated November 2, 2020
It may be tempting to use any household glue or adhesive tape for all your picture framing, but each type of picture framing adhesive is specially made for its own specific purpose. Using other multipurpose glues or adhesive tape can result in discoloration, deterioration or even damage to your art or frame. Nobody wants that! […]
There are many ways to protect your artwork in a picture frame, such as purchasing acid-free mat board and UV-filter glass or acrylic. Though that’s often enough protection for most prints and other reproducible works of art, you can add a dust cover for a little bit more protection.
What Is a Dust Cover?
A dust cover, also called backing paper, is a thin sheet of paper attached to the back of picture frames. Professional picture frames will often refer to using this framing material as a “dust seal,” as the adhered paper prevents dust from entering the picture frame.
Dust covers do more than stop dust and other air pollutants from entering the picture frame package. They also prevent bugs from making a snack of your artwork as well as keep the humidity levels from fluctuating too much within the frame, both of which can permanently damage artwork. The dust cover also serves an aesthetic purpose: it simply makes the picture frame look neater and cleaner.
Choosing a Dust Cover
Frame Destination carries three types of backing paper: standard Kraft backing paper from Scotch™, Tyvek acid-free backing paper and Lineco acid-free backing paper. Standard Kraft paper is one of the most common types of backing paper used in non-conservation framing projects. As a standard paper, it contains lignin; over time, it may become brittle and tear more easily.
Tyvek is actually made from extruded polyethylene, while the Lineco dust cover is a light gray acid-free paper that has also been buffered with 3% calcium carbonate. Both backing papers are acid-free, meaning that they can be used for conservation-style picture framing. They are also puncture-resistant but breathable, additional benefits for those who are framing artwork for the long term.
Attaching a Dust Cover in Six Steps
To attach backing paper to a picture frame, you’ll need just a few items:
- Dust cover
- Adhesive, such as ATG tape or liquid PVA glue
- Precision knife or dust cover trimmer
Step 1: Cut a section of backing paper slightly larger than the size of the frame. Set aside.
Step 2: Place the complete frame package face down. If using ATG tape, apply a continuous strip of tape all around the back of the frame, approximately 1/8-inch from the edge. If using PVA glue, apply a thin bead of glue all around the edge. Using a folded paper towel or your finger, spread the glue evenly, ensuring that you are not getting glue on the visible, outside edge of the frame.
Step 3: Place the backing paper on a flat surface. Pick up the frame and place it face up on the backing paper. Press firmly in place.
Step 5: Turn the frame over and inspect the edges of the frame to ensure the paper has adhered, firmly pressing along the areas in which the paper has not properly been attached.
Step 6: Place the frame back on the table face up and, using the precision knife, carefully cut away at the excess backing paper. Alternatively, use the dust cover trimmer. Make sure that none of the dust cover is visible from the front of the frame.
Other Methods to Attach Backing Paper
While there are some hard and fast rules for picture framing, there are numerous acceptable ways to attach a dust cover. Some framers dampen Kraft backing paper with water before attaching it to the frame so that it will shrink as it dries, resulting in a very taut seal.
However, Chris Paschke, a certified picture framer (CPF, GCF), warns against this very practice as potentially damaging, explaining that water should never be used on a paper backing as "it could shrink unevenly and damage or break a narrow frame. Moisture should always be kept away from art and framing."
Another method to attach a dust cover is to lay the frame face down and place the dust cover on top of it. With this method, you first attach one corner of the oversize backing paper to a corner of the frame; this allows you to pull the paper taut across it in both directions.
For my personal photography, I do not have to be concerned about the appearance of the back. Custom framers, of course, do have to be concerned, since they will be handing the final picture frame to their customer.
Whichever method you choose, your end result will be a picture frame that looks as though it came from a custom frame shop. Most importantly, you will have given your art an extra layer of protection that will safeguard it for years to come.
There are many ways to protect your artwork in a picture frame, such as purchasing acid-free mat board and UV-filter glass or acrylic. Though that’s often enough protection for most prints and other reproducible works of art, you can add a dust cover for a little bit more protection. What Is a Dust Cover? A […]
A framed photo is a timeless, personal gift: you’re giving the recipient something you know they will appreciate, whether it’s a photo of someone they love, artwork you specifically selected, or even an empty frame to enclose a recently earned diploma.
Make the gift even more personal with your own special flair, commemorating the occasion and giving them a memento to treasure for years to come.
Write a Secret Message
Many times, you’ll include a handwritten card that expresses your congratulations, gratitude or well wishes. Instead, write these personal sentiments directly onto the backing board or dust cover, resulting in a hidden message that remains a special secret between you and your loved one.
With Frame Destination picture frames, the back of the frame is most often the backside of the mounting board, also called backing board. You can write on this with any type of pen or marker, but it is wise to ensure that the ink does not bleed or show through.
If you are writing on the dust cover, which is located at the back of the frame and protects the frame contents, make sure that you either write the message before you attach the dust cover or, if it’s already attached, use a very light touch. Dust covers are not thick, as they’re a functional part of the frame that’s not meant for display; if you use a particularly sharp pen or push too hard, you may tear it.
Write on the Mat Board
Dust covers are not meant to last forever, and a mounting board may be replaced — if your message is particularly important, you can put it on display. If you’re planning on writing on mat board, use a pen that won’t fade. Pigment ink pens are a much better choice than dye ink pens, so do not use a ballpoint or fountain pen. Look for gel pens or any other pen that’s labeled “pigment ink,” such as Pigma Micron.
Before writing on the mat board you’ll use for the frame, make sure that you plan out your message as well as the spacing, placement and size beforehand. Practice writing it a few times so that you’re sure you won’t make a mistake. If you do, however, don’t worry: you can always order another mat board cut to size.
Paint the Frame
Take your personalized picture frame gift to the next level and make it DIY project with paint. You can let your imagination run wild:
- Paint a message or phrase
- Use painter’s tape for geometric patterns
- Paint with dots to create intricate designs
- Use a stencil
- Create an ombre or two-toned effect
If you’re not sure how to paint a picture frame, simply follow our guide for painting both wood and metal frames.
Don’t Leave an Empty Frame Empty
If your gift is the frame itself, don’t leave it completely empty — frame something temporarily. For example, you could frame a hand-written note instead of a card or even create a fun, personalized postcard. If you have a child, have them draw a special picture. This way, you can show them the frame the way it will look when their own artwork is added.
You can also frame something else just for the fun of it, such as a sheet of stickers, a cartoon clipping or even a photo of their favorite celebrity.
Frame Your Gift
You can include a picture frame as a little something extra even if it isn’t directly part of the gift, especially if they can use the frame later to commemorate the gift they received. For example, frame that pair of concert tickets you’re surprising them with — and then take a picture at the event to frame later. You can frame anything relatively small and flat, such as lottery tickets, a gift card or even some money.
A framed photo is a timeless, personal gift: you’re giving the recipient something you know they will appreciate, whether it’s a photo of someone they love, artwork you specifically selected, or even an empty frame to enclose a recently earned diploma. Make the gift even more personal with your own special flair, commemorating the occasion […]