Fading of Artwork

Fading happens when the colors in your artwork lose their brightness and intensity over time. This is mainly caused by exposure to UV light, which can break down the molecules in the inks and dyes used in your artwork. However, not all materials fade at the same rate, and understanding these differences can help you better protect your pieces.

Types of Inks and Their Susceptibility to Fading

1. Dye-Based Inks:

   • Description: These inks are made from liquid dyes that soak into the paper or material.
   • Fading: Dye-based inks are more vibrant but also more susceptible to fading. They break down faster when exposed to light, especially UV light, leading to noticeable color loss over time.
2. Pigment-Based Inks:
   • Description: These inks use tiny particles of color that sit on top of the paper or material.
   • Fading: Pigment-based inks are generally more resistant to fading because the particles are more stable and less affected by light. They tend to last longer, making them a better choice for archival purposes.

Types of Paper and Their Impact on Fading

1. Glossy Paper:

   • Description: This paper has a shiny surface that enhances color vibrancy.
   • Fading: While glossy paper can make colors pop, it doesn't necessarily protect against fading. Both dye and pigment inks can fade over time on glossy paper, with dye-based inks being more vulnerable.
2. Matte Paper:
   • Description: Matte paper has a non-reflective surface and a softer look.
   • Fading: Matte paper can offer a slight advantage in terms of fading, as it might absorb UV light differently. However, the type of ink used is still the primary factor in how quickly colors fade.
3. Archival Paper:
   • Description: Made specifically to resist aging and degradation, often acid-free.
   • Fading: When used with pigment-based inks, archival paper provides the best protection against fading, as both the paper and the ink are designed for longevity.
4. Watercolor Paper:
   • Description: This paper is thick, textured, and highly porous to absorb watercolors.
   • Fading: Watercolor paper, due to its high absorbency, can retain pigments well but is still susceptible to fading, especially with dye-based inks.

How to Slow Down Fading

1. Use UV-Protective Glass:

   • Special glass that blocks most UV rays can help protect the colors in your artwork from fading as quickly.
2. Avoid Direct Sunlight:
   • Hanging your artwork away from direct sunlight can significantly reduce fading. Choose a spot that doesn't get direct exposure through windows.
3. Control Indoor Lighting:
   • Use curtains or blinds to reduce the amount of light coming into the room. Consider using LED lights, which emit less UV light compared to regular bulbs.
4. Maintain Stable Conditions:
   • Keep the room temperature and humidity levels stable. Avoid placing your artwork in areas that get very hot, cold, or damp, like near radiators or in basements.

Likelihood of fading based on 900 hours of DIRECT UV light without any protection:

Likelihood of fading based on 900 hours of INDIRECT UV light without protection:

Likelihood of fading based on 900 hours of DIRECT UV light WITH protection (99% UV Inhibitor):

Likelihood of fading based on 900 hours of INDIRECT UV light WITH protection (99% UV Inhibitor):

Fading ∝ (UV Exposure Time × UV Intensity) / Material Susceptibility

Remember

Fading is a natural process, and over time, all colors will fade to some extent. However, by taking some simple steps, you can significantly slow down this process. Proper care, such as using UV-protective glass, avoiding direct sunlight, and maintaining stable environmental conditions, will not only keep your artwork vibrant and full of contrast but also help preserve its value. This is especially important for valuable or sentimental pieces, as well-maintained artwork retains its aesthetic appeal and market worth. Addressing and understanding the factors that contribute to fading, you ensure that your cherished pieces continue to bring joy and retain their value for years to come.

Curling of Paper and Artwork

'Curling' is a common issue that can arise from prints that come off of roll paper or artwork that has been stored in a tube for an extended period. This natural curling structure is often due to humidity over time and the prolonged state of being rolled up.

Causes of Curling

• Humidity: Paper is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs and releases moisture from the environment. High humidity can cause the fibers in the paper to swell and curl.
• Prolonged Rolling: When artwork or prints are stored in a tube for a long period, the paper fibers adapt to the rolled shape, making it difficult to flatten out.
• Type of Paper: Thinner papers and certain types of coatings are more prone to curling compared to thicker, more robust papers.

Effects of Curling

• Aesthetic Impact: Curling can distort the appearance of the artwork, making it look less professional and harder to display properly.
• Framing Challenges: Curled paper can be difficult to frame, as it may not lay flat and can cause issues with mounting and matting.
• Potential Damage: If not addressed, severe curling can lead to creases or cracks in the paper, especially if attempts are made to forcibly flatten it incorrectly.

Solutions for Curling

1. Humidity Control:
   • Store artwork in a climate-controlled environment with stable humidity levels, ideally around 40-50%.
   • Use a dehumidifier in areas prone to high humidity to prevent further curling.
2. Flattening Techniques:
   • Gently unroll the artwork and place it between heavy, flat objects (like books) for an extended period to encourage it to flatten.
   • For more severe curling, consider using a humidification chamber to relax the paper fibers before flattening.
3. Professional Help:
   • Seek professional conservation services for valuable or delicate artwork to ensure proper flattening techniques are used without causing damage. Be prepared to take this task on yourself as the owner of the artwork.

Preventive Measures

• Proper Storage: Store prints and artwork flat whenever possible, using archival-quality materials to protect them from environmental changes.
• Climate Control: Keep storage and display areas at consistent temperature and humidity levels to prevent curling and other forms of damage.
• Handling: Avoid rolling artwork tightly or for prolonged periods. If rolling is necessary, use large-diameter tubes and unroll the artwork as soon as possible.

Sticking of Prints to Glass

Why Do Prints Stick to Glass?

Prints can sometimes stick to the glass in their frames, which can damage the artwork and reduce its visual appeal. This sticking is primarily caused by environmental conditions like heat and humidity, which affect both the paper and the inks used in the prints.

Conditions That Cause Prints to Stick to Glass

1. Heat:

   • High temperatures can cause materials to expand and become more pliable. When the temperature inside a frame increases, it can cause the print to soften and become tacky. As the print becomes warmer and softer, it is more likely to adhere to the glass, especially if there is any pressure pressing the print against the glass.

2. Humidity:

   • Humidity refers to the amount of moisture in the air. High humidity levels can cause the paper to absorb moisture and expand. As the paper expands due to moisture absorption, it can press more firmly against the glass. The combination of moisture and pressure can create a bond between the print and the glass.

How to Prevent Prints from Sticking to Glass

1. Use Matting:

   • Matting creates a physical barrier between the print and the glass, preventing direct contact. This helps reduce the risk of sticking by providing space for air circulation and reducing pressure on the print.
2. Use Spacers:
   • Spacers are small strips placed along the edges of the frame to create a gap between the print and the glass. By keeping the print away from the glass, spacers help prevent sticking, even in high humidity or temperature conditions.
3. Control Environmental Conditions:
   • Keep framed prints in a stable temperature environment, away from direct sources of heat like radiators or sunny windows. Use dehumidifiers in areas with high humidity to keep moisture levels in check. Aim for a humidity level of around 40-50% to minimize the risk of sticking.
4. Use Archival Materials:
   • Archival-quality materials are designed to be more stable and less reactive to environmental changes. Using archival paper and inks can reduce the likelihood of prints becoming tacky or expanding excessively, thus preventing sticking.

Types of Prints and Their Likelihood to Stick

Handling and Preservation of Graphite, Pastel, and Charcoal Artwork

Graphite, pastel, and charcoal artworks are delicate and require special care to preserve their appearance and integrity. This section covers the best practices for handling, storing, and framing these artworks, as well as the use of specialized protective coatings.

Paper Expansion and Waffling

Understanding Paper Expansion and Waffling

What is Paper Expansion and Waffling?

Paper expansion and waffling occur when paper absorbs moisture from the air, causing it to expand and warp. This can lead to a wavy or uneven surface, which is often referred to as "waffling." Humidity is the primary cause of this phenomenon, as it increases the moisture content in the paper.

The Relationship Between Porosity, Thickness, and Humidity

To understand how different types of paper react to environmental conditions, we can use the following relationship:

Waffling ∝ (Porosity × Humidity) / Thickness

Where:

• Waffling: The degree of warping or unevenness in the paper.
• Porosity: A measure of how much moisture the paper can absorb (higher porosity means more moisture absorption).
• Humidity: The relative humidity of the environment (higher humidity means more moisture available for absorption).
• Thickness: The thickness of the paper (thicker paper can show more pronounced warping, but may also resist initial warping more than thinner paper).

This relationship helps us understand that the degree of waffling is directly proportional to the porosity of the paper and the humidity of the environment, while it is inversely proportional to the thickness of the paper.

Types of Paper and Their Susceptibility

1. Glossy Paper:

   • Characteristics: Glossy paper has a smooth, shiny surface and is less porous.
   • Susceptibility: Glossy paper is less prone to waffling due to its coating, which provides some resistance to moisture absorption. However, once it does absorb moisture, the effects can be more pronounced. This means that glossy paper in a high humidity environment can still experience significant waffling if it eventually absorbs moisture.
2. Matte Paper:
   • Characteristics: Matte paper has a non-reflective surface and is more porous than glossy paper.
   • Susceptibility: Matte paper is more susceptible to waffling because its porous nature allows it to absorb moisture more readily. The texture can help hide minor waffling, but significant exposure to humidity can cause noticeable warping.
3. Archival Paper:
   • Characteristics: Archival paper is often acid-free and designed to resist aging and degradation.
   • Susceptibility: Archival paper is generally more stable and less prone to waffling. However, it can still be affected by high humidity, especially if it is not properly protected. The archival quality provides some resistance to environmental changes, but it is not immune to the effects of high humidity.
4. Watercolor Paper:
   • Characteristics: Watercolor paper is thick, textured, and highly porous to absorb watercolors.
   • Susceptibility: Watercolor paper is highly susceptible to expansion and waffling due to its high porosity and thickness. It is designed to handle moisture but can still warp if exposed to high humidity over time. The inherent porosity of watercolor paper means it absorbs moisture quickly, leading to more pronounced waffling.

Practical Example: Applying the Relationship

Consider two pieces of paper: one is a sheet of glossy paper, and the other is a sheet of watercolor paper. Both are exposed to high humidity.

• Glossy Paper: Despite being less porous, the glossy paper can eventually absorb moisture. Once it does, its smooth surface means that any expansion will lead to noticeable waffling.
• Watercolor Paper: This paper is highly porous and will quickly absorb moisture, leading to significant expansion and waffling. However, its thickness might help resist initial warping.

In both cases, high humidity leads to waffling, but the degree and speed at which it occurs depend on the paper's porosity and thickness.

Example Table of Potential Waffling / Paper Expansion

Preventive Measures

1. Use Matting and Spacers:

   • Matting and spacers can create a barrier between the artwork and the glass, allowing air to circulate and reducing the risk of moisture buildup. This helps in minimizing the direct contact of the paper with potentially humid environments.
2. Control Environmental Conditions:
   • Temperature: Keep framed artwork in a stable temperature environment, avoiding areas that experience significant temperature fluctuations. Temperature control helps prevent the paper from expanding and contracting.
   • Humidity: Use dehumidifiers or air conditioners to maintain a stable humidity level, ideally around 40-50%. Avoid placing artwork in areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms or kitchens. Stable humidity levels prevent excessive moisture absorption by the paper.
3. Use Archival Quality Materials:
   • Archival materials are designed to be more stable and less reactive to environmental changes. Using archival paper, mats, and backing can help minimize the effects of humidity. These materials are often treated to resist moisture absorption, providing additional protection against waffling.
4. Proper Framing Techniques:
   • Ensure that the artwork is securely mounted and properly framed. Using acid-free mounting tapes and adhesives can help keep the artwork flat and reduce the risk of waffling. Proper framing techniques help maintain the integrity of the artwork and prevent environmental factors from causing damage.

Matting: Protection and Aesthetics

Matting serves as an essential element in the framing process, primarily aimed at protecting the artwork or photograph. While aesthetics also play a role, the main purpose of matting is to create a physical barrier between the artwork and the glass, preventing damage from condensation and ensuring longevity. Here, we will discuss the importance of matting, the impact of different ply counts, and recommendations for various artwork sizes.

Importance of Matting

Protection:

• Matting creates a gap between the artwork and the glass, preventing direct contact and protecting against potential damage from moisture.
• It helps keep the artwork flat and secure within the frame, reducing the risk of warping and damage.
• Using acid-free and archival-quality matting materials can further protect the artwork from acid damage and deterioration over time.

Aesthetics:

• Matting enhances the visual presentation by providing a border that draws attention to the artwork.
• Different ply counts and matting techniques can add depth and dimension to the framed piece, creating a more dynamic and professional appearance.

Ply Count Recommendations

• 4-Ply Matting:
  • Thickness: Approximately 1/16 inch.
  • Usage: Suitable for smaller artworks and photographs. Provides basic protection and a clean look.
  • Aesthetics: Simple and elegant, ideal for minimalist presentations.
• 8-Ply Matting:
  • Thickness: Approximately 1/8 inch.
  • Usage: Recommended for medium to large artworks, especially when additional protection is needed.
  • Aesthetics: Thicker matting creates a more substantial and luxurious appearance, adding depth to the presentation.
• Double Matting:
  • Thickness: Combination of two 4-ply mats, resulting in a total thickness of approximately 1/8 inch- Or Combination of 8-ply mats resulting in a thickness of 1/4 inch.
  • Usage: Suitable for larger artworks or when extra depth is desired. Using thicker mats for at least one layer of the matting can ensure greater protection from the artwork from coming into contact with the glass.
  • Aesthetics: Double matting allows for creative color combinations and added visual interest.

Recommendations Based on Artwork Size

• Small Artworks and Photographs (up to 8x10 inches):
  • Ply Count: 4-ply matting is typically sufficient.
  • Additional Tips: Ensure the matting is acid-free to prevent deterioration.
• Medium Artworks (up to 16x20 inches):
  • Ply Count: 4-ply or 8-ply matting, depending on the desired depth and protection.
  • Additional Tips: Consider double matting for added aesthetics and protection.
• Large Artworks (larger than 16x20 inches):
  • Ply Count: 8-ply matting is recommended for increased protection and stability.
  • Additional Tips: Double matting can provide additional support and a more striking visual effect.
  • Triple-Matting: Consider using 3 layers of 4 ply mat for a total of 12 ply both for protection and aesthetics using colors or tones found in the artwork to both protect and make the artwork stand out even more.

Mounting: Methods, Considerations, and Impact

Mounting is a critical decision in the framing process. While it provides excellent support and stability for your artwork or photograph, it can also have disadvantages, particularly for certain valuable or collectible pieces. By understanding the methods, considerations, and impacts of mounting, you can make informed decisions to best preserve and showcase your valuable pieces.

Mounting Methods

1. Mount Core:

   • Description: Mount core is a sturdy, solid backing used to mount prints and photographs. It provides excellent support, helping to keep the artwork flat and secure within the frame. This method is widely available and provides good structural support to the artwork.
2. Mounting Tissue:
   • Description: Mounting tissue is a heat-activated adhesive tissue used to bond the artwork to a backing board. The adhesive is activated by applying heat, which bonds the tissue to both the artwork and the backing. This process is practically irreversible, with only a minimal chance (1 in 10,000) of undoing it without ruining or severely damaging the piece.

Considerations for Mounting

1. Material Degradation:

   • Archival Materials: It is crucial to use acid-free and archival-quality mounting materials to prevent degradation over time. Archival materials help preserve the artwork by preventing acid damage and other forms of deterioration.
   • Non-Archival Materials: Using non-archival materials can introduce acids that cause yellowing and brittleness over time. These materials can significantly reduce the longevity of the artwork.
2. Loss of Value:
   • Impact on Collectibles: Mounting signed limited edition prints, valuable paintings, or drawings can lead to a loss of value. Collectors often prefer unmounted pieces to maintain their original condition. Mounted artworks can be perceived as less valuable because the mounting process can alter the original state of the piece.

Impact on Artwork

1. Acid Damage:

   • Explanation: Non-archival mounting materials can cause acid damage, leading to yellowing and brittleness. This damage occurs because the acids in the materials slowly degrade the artwork over time.
   • Prevention: Using acid-free and archival-quality materials can prevent this type of damage, helping to preserve the artwork’s appearance and integrity.
2. Permanence:
   • Explanation: Some mounting methods, such as using mounting tissue, are permanent and cannot be easily reversed. This can be a significant concern for valuable or sentimental pieces, as the permanent bond may damage the artwork if removal is attempted.
   • Prevention: Consider using reversible mounting methods for high-value or sentimental pieces to avoid the risk of permanent damage.

Recommendations for Mounting

1. Use Archival Materials:

   • Always use acid-free and archival-quality mounting materials to ensure the longevity of the artwork. Archival materials are designed to be stable and free from harmful acids that can degrade the artwork over time.
2. Consider the Value:
   • For valuable or collectible artworks, consider using non-permanent mounting methods to preserve their value. Reversible mounting techniques, such as using photo corners or hinging, can secure the artwork without causing permanent changes.
3. Professional Assistance:
   • Seek professional framing services for valuable or delicate artworks to ensure proper mounting techniques are used. Professional framers have the expertise to choose the best materials and methods to preserve and protect your artwork.

Impact of Mounting on Artwork Value

Mounting can have a significant impact on the value of collectible artwork. Here are some estimated impacts based on the type of artwork:

1. Signed Limited Edition Prints:

   • Potential Value Loss: Up to 30-50%
   • Collectors prefer unmounted prints to maintain their original condition. Mounting can be seen as altering the original state, reducing its collectible value.
2. Valuable Paintings or Drawings:
   • Potential Value Loss: Up to 40-80%
   • The irreversible nature of certain mounting methods can deter collectors. The risk of damage during the removal process further reduces the perceived value.
3. Photographs:
   • Potential Value Loss: Up to 20-40%
   • While photographs may not suffer as much value loss as limited edition prints or paintings, collectors still prefer unmounted photographs to preserve their original state.

Artwork That Should Never Be Dry Mounted:

Due to their fragility, age, or importance, certain types of artwork should never be mounted. These include:

1. Antique Documents and Manuscripts:

   • Extremely fragile and valuable, often irreplaceable.
2. Original Watercolor Paintings:
   • Watercolors are delicate and can be easily damaged by adhesives and heat.
3. Historic Photographs:
   • Old photographs can be very sensitive to adhesives and changes in temperature.
4. Limited Edition Prints:
   • Mounting can significantly reduce their value and desirability among collectors.
5. Hand-Drawn Sketches:
   • Often on delicate paper that can be damaged by mounting processes.
6. Rare Posters:
   • Collectible posters should be preserved in their original state to maintain value.
7. Cultural Artifacts:
   • Items with cultural significance should be preserved without alteration to maintain their integrity and historical value.

Have Questions? Contact Us!

Encourage customers to reach out with any questions or for more information.

Phone: 1(902)365-1234

Email: rick@rickpenney.com

Address: 9325 Commercial St., New Minas, NS, B4N 3G2