Although we love that Matisse hung pictures on his wall UNframed, our previous post reminded us that archival framing of precious art works is a good way to preserve images for many years. The frame and the materials used protect the image from deterioration.

We’ve long wondered what the process of archival framing is, and if we could do it ourselves. We came across a huge trove of information at Bark Frameworks, an archival picture framing company who not only offers its services, but seems happy to tell you how to frame-it-yourself and will sell you supplies (as well as ready made archival frames) through its online store.

You can see images of the process (and read the reasoning) on Bark’s website, starting with this cross section of a typical preservation frame showing the basic formula:UV shielding acrylic, spacer/fillet made of ragboard, backmat of ragboard, archival Coroplast backing board., and poplar strainer for support…

Bark Frameworks
Bark Frameworks

…and continuing on through every step of the process, from making archival hinges…

Bark Frameworks
Bark Frameworks

…to making corner pockets to hold the art in place…

Bark Frameworks
Bark Frameworks

Related Articles includes downloadable PDFs about various aspects of the process. Notes on Framing basically outlines the steps.

Bark Frameworks
Bark Frameworks

 

 

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2 replies on “How to Make An Archival Picture Frame

  1. Thanks for this! Looks like a great resource. My girlfriend has been playing with framing pressed plants she collects herself, and we’re gradually learning that putting more work into the framing pays off – – each batch has been better than the last. We’re also finding that framing is pretty straightforward to do.

  2. Thanks Jim. Archival framing can be SO expensive. I wanted to give the essential formula and thinking, which if course can be stripped down and simplified. Would love to see the frames you and your girlfriend have come up with.

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