Conservation Framing - Preserving Investments

In conservation framing, we build frames to protect and preserve artworks, photos, and artifacts for many years. At Harten, we mix old-school skills with new methods to make frames that match museum standards. We use materials that are free from acids and stable against chemicals. This stops damage from things like acid, UV light, humidity, and dirt in the air. We put the frame together in a clean space with exact tools for cuts, joins, and fits. This keeps everything secure and stops movement or harm. We focus on being kind to the planet by getting wood from forests that get replanted and cutting down on waste.

The Frame (Moulding)

The moulding makes up the outside of the frame. It gives main support and looks good too. For conservation framing, mouldings need to be safe from chemicals. This stops them from releasing bad gases that might hurt the artwork. At Harten, we pick from woods that come from good sources, metals, and acrylics. We choose them because they stay stable and do not warp. Our woods come from suppliers we trust. They have no acids or lignin, which can turn art yellow or make it brittle over time. For wood mouldings, we add hand-gilded finishes or sharp beveled edges. We use safe, water-based glues and seals that help against changes in humidity.

We focus on making things last and easy to take apart. For metal frames, we use smooth welds on joints. For wood, we use strong glues without acids. This lets you pull it apart with no leftover mess. Big frames get extra supports like solid bars to spread out weight. This stops stress on the art. Our way boosts strength and makes a small safe space inside. It keeps out dirt from outside. We skip finishes that react, like paints with oil. This makes sure the moulding does not add chemical risks. It fits with advice from experts who say to use materials without lignin to cut down on harm from the environment.

Glazing

Glazing is the clear layer, like glass or acrylic, that guards the art from dust, water, and UV rays. In conservation work, it matters a lot because it blocks almost all bad UV light. That light can fade colors and break down paper. Harten has options like museum glass with low glare or UV filters. We also have clear acrylics that do not break and weigh less. Acrylic works well for big or delicate items. It can have coatings that fight scratches and bonds that stay hidden to keep things clear with no twists.

Our methods include coatings that cut glare but keep the view sharp. We make sure glazing does not touch the art to stop water drops from building up. We pick UV shields that stay stable and skip additives that might leak out later. For more safety, we seal edges with tapes that fight moisture when we put it together. This keeps out dirt in the air from the frame setup. Guidelines for saving art stress using glazing that keeps the work separate. It blocks damage from light and holds steady humidity inside. At Harten, we check glazing for flaws in a set space. This makes sure it hits high standards for not fading over time.