Regular Picture Framing (RPF) is the most common type of framing. It is used when conservation measures are not needed or wanted. Open ended prints or posters are frequent candidates for RPF. Any work that will be temporary and has no current or potential value can be considered for RPF.
To most people an item done as RPF is indistinquishable from an item done with conservation techniques and materials. The differences are in the chemistry of the materials and all the stuff behind the picture that are not seen but come in contact with the art and can affect it adversely over time.
The glass used in RPF is just the regular glass that has been used for the past hundred years in the picture framing industry. It is a good quality glass but it allows more UV light through than the conservation quality glass and that means more fading, spotting, and yellowing.
The mat boards in RPF come in all the same colors as the mat boards in conservation framing, the significant difference being in the pH of the board. The pH of non-conservation board is acidic and WILL damage the framed item. It may take 10 or 20 years, but it will happen. The damage is evident as yellowing, spots, and brittleness. The backing is the last major difference. As in the mat board, the backing in RPF is high in acid and does the same kind of damage if it comes in contact with the work.
Don't let all this negative stuff about Regular
Picture Framing scare you. It is a reasonable approach to
framing in a great many situations and can save a lot of
money over conservation framing. At FRAME FARM we can
discuss your needs and follow through with a quality
product.
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