Framing isn’t just about looks — it’s the first line of defense for everything you put on your walls. Here’s what actually damages art, and how proper framing stops it.
Light — Especially Sunlight
Ultraviolet light fades inks, dyes, and photographs — sometimes in a matter of months. Hang valuable pieces away from direct sun and use UV-protective or museum glazing. Even ordinary indoor lighting adds up over the years.
Humidity and Temperature
Bathrooms, kitchens, and the wall above a fireplace are the worst spots in the house: moisture and heat warp paper, crack paint, and feed mold. Stable, dry rooms keep art happy for decades.
Acids — The Invisible Enemy
Regular cardboard, wood-pulp mats, and cheap backing boards leach acids that yellow and embrittle paper — the brown stains framers call “acid burn.” Archival, acid-free mats and backing are the fix, and they’re standard on all of our conservation work.
Contact With the Glass
Artwork touching the glazing can stick to it, trap condensation, and grow mold behind the glass. Mats and spacers keep a safe air gap — one more reason the mat matters more than people think.
Hanging and Handling
Use hooks and wire rated for the frame’s weight, and put big pieces into wall studs. Keep art out of direct sun and away from heat vents — even with UV glass, placement matters.
Ready to frame something? Request a free quote or visit us at 1550 Dell Ave, Ste A, Campbell, CA.