Conservation Framing

Custom or conservation framing allows you present your precious photos or prints in the best way possible with the choice of frames and boards and glass that will transform the look of your favourite and timeless memories. Quality framing is an investment in the timeless beauty of your treasured memory.

What is conservation framing?

Conservation framing is one of the best ways to improve the longevity of your photograph or print.  Whereas standard framing can offer a cost-effective solution, conservation framing is the smart choice for valuable prints. There are a number of ways that this specialised picture framing protects the image and prevents the degradation of the print, allowing them to remain in the best condition possible for considerably longer.

Protecting Prints with Conservation Framing

While framed, a print can expand and contract due to natural humidity in the air, especially in humid, coastal conditions in Queensland. When framed as standard, prints can become stuck to the glass, where they develop discolouration and unattractive air bubbles. It’s also difficult to then remove the print from the glass, and salvaging the print to restore it can be more difficult. Cardboard and other common framing materials expand and contract with exposure to small amounts of moisture, which also degrades the print over time.

Conservation framing prevents much of this damage by carefully spacing the print from the glass. During the custom framing process, the print is cushioned within the frame and the air is allowed to flow through, preventing damage from both moisture and mould, which discolour and degrade a print over time.

Why use a Mat Board?

Mat-board is used to mount the print against the backing – between the photograph and the frame. The purpose of mat board is to create a gap between the glass and the print, allowing air to circulate,  preventing much moisture damage, sticking, and mould.

There are many colours available and mat boards can be very stylish, giving the photo a classic, professional touch, or creating contrast for a modern and striking mount.

Only use quality acid-free mat board

The use of a cheaper mat-board can compromise the longevity of the print. Due to the pH of the treated paper, cheaper and low-quality mat-board can cause a type of burn to the print over time that can brown and yellow the edges, significantly impacting the visual quality of the print. We take pride in not compromising quality for cost, and stock a conservation-grade mat board, which is the highest quality of paperboard available. This quality Acid-free mat board ensures that your prints are given the best chance for longevity in the Sunshine Coast climate.

Is there a difference between the glass used?

VIP Framing uses two varieties of glass that are time-tested and top quality.

While standard glass may suit a regular print and is less expensive, the quality of conservation glass adds unexpected and incredible clarity to a print.

When aiming for longevity and preservation of a treasured photograph, conservation glass, also known as clarity glass, truly shines.

Conservation glass also protects the inks in a print from degrading in UV light. Even reduced light in indoor settings can have an impact on printing inks, leaving the colours faded and details blurred. Conservation glass cuts out 77% of ultraviolet light. When hanging in any room, especially when exposed to natural light, this increases the lifetime of your print considerably.