A picture mount offers protection and preservation to a piece of artwork, drawing or a photo. It also enhances an artwork while adding to its decoration. However, adding a lot of picture mounting may affect its functioning and it may not be able to offer protection or preservation. In fact, it could possibly cause damage to the artwork.
Artwork ages due to its exposure to UV light. Ageing may also occur due to acidic tapes, mount board, backing board and papers that are used to decorate and protect the artwork. In such cases, the artwork starts browning after some time. While exposure to light may harm any paper, poor quality mounting on the other hand causes greater damage to the artwork. In fact, drawings, water colours and prints can be entirely ruined due to the contact of the artwork with the inappropriate framing materials. Amateur restoration or incorrect techniques in handling may also damage the artwork.
For better protection, artwork may be preserved through mounting boards or picture mounting. Mounting boards are also used for supporting posters, photos and needlework. Such boards also come into use when picture framing is done in a professional way. The characteristics of the board include a compressed cardboard along with foam and a thick paper. The edges of some mounting boards may be cut with an angle so as to make them appear more elegant.
The best solution to avoid artwork coming into contact with acid is acid free mounting. An acid free mounting board has many uses. It contains acidic chemicals that are covered up and meant to be exposed later. Acid free front and back mounting boards are also used to prevent the acid coming into contact with the artwork. This helps avoid the possible damage that can be caused to the artwork. At times, it is important to treat the front and the back of the board so as to contain any acidic contents.
There are many uses of acid free mounting and as such selecting the one that suits your artwork the most is not difficult. With the help of a professional, you may select the most appropriate type of board, colour and cut for your piece of artwork. You may also visit our online art gallery to see how great pieces of work such as Kerry Darlington and JJ Adam art are conserved with acid free mounting.
