Materials2

Glazing materials should be separated from the artwork. Glass is prone to condensation. Moisture builds up inside the frame where there is no ventilation and can contribute to the deterioration of the artwork. Acrylic generates a great deal of static electricity and can cause the artwork to transfer to the glazing material itself. (This is especially true of charcoals and pastels.)

The first technique to separate the glazing from the artwork is to use a window mat. The window mat should be thick enough to create a separation between the glazing material and the paper art. Ply is the term used to describe the thickness of matboards. Standard matboards range between .050 - .060 inches in thickness. 4 ply museum board is approximately .060 inches in thickness. Both can be used for mats or backing boards. Thicknesses less than the above are generally used for backing boards or barrier papers. Double mats as well as 6 and 8 ply boards are available when additional depth is needed.

We strongly recommend that you consult Royale Art Salon to find the right glazing to protect and beautify your artwork and cherished memories. We will work with you to create a presentation that complements your artwork without overpowering it. Glazing serves as a barrier between the artwork and outside elements such as dirt, moisture and curious observers.

Glazing should not interfere with but enhance the viewing of a work of art.

That's why Tru Vue glass and acrylic products are available in three finish varieties: clear, non-glare and anti-reflective, and in two series: standard Premium and UV-blocking Conservation.

There's a Tru Vue glazing product to fill every framing need and work well within any lighting or viewing environment.

The Blessing and Danger of Light

Without light there would be no art, as light is what allows us to see and appreciate color. It is one of the great ironies that the very thing that lets us enjoy color also works to destroy it.

Have you ever seen a faded gum wrapper, lying in the sun, bleached to a mere fragment of its original color? Perhaps the paper had become brittle as well — ready to break apart at the touch of a finger. The damage you saw was caused by the sun … specifically, the sun’s damaging UV, or ultraviolet light rays.

Ultraviolet light rays are the same villains that your doctor warns you about. They cause breakdown whenever they come in contact with organic materials, burning noses, bleaching gum wrappers and ruining your son’s first finger painting. The damaging effects of UV light on artwork are cumulative and irreversible.

All light sources, whether natural or artificial, have some of their components in the ultraviolet range. The most drastic visual effect of exposure to UV light is the dramatic fading of colors — especially those colors that contain red.

Other effects include the yellowing and/or bleaching of paper fibers, sizing dyes, brighteners and fillers. Some pigments may experience the opposite effect and actually darken to black when exposed to UV light. The materials that make up your artwork — the paper or fabric, on which the image is displayed, may become brittle. Photos may appear yellow or stained with ghostly silver deposits rising to the surface.

Once damage from UV light has occurred, it can never be reversed. That’s why it is important for you to understand what you can do to prevent this type of damage in the first place.

· Choose subdued lighting effects that will not reflect into the glass, especially when you are not using reflection control products.

· Add a sense of atmosphere by using wall lights or sconces on either side of your framed piece.

· Add emphasis to framed pieces by adding individual picture lights — see us for details.

· Do not hang your valuable artwork in direct sunlight. Even with protective UV-blocking glass, prolonged exposure to the sun’s heat can destroy your art.

· Use incandescent bulbs to light your work. Incandescent lights have only 4% of their rays in the damaging UV range. (Fluorescent lights, on the other hand, have a high concentration of UV rays and should not be used to light your work.)