Framing limited edition prints by Australian artist Reg Mombassa

I am currently framing several Reg Mombassa limited edition prints brought in by a new customer the other day. As they are all limited edition I suggested that conservation framing be used.

As the picture framer, you have to inform the customer about the options available, because more often than not, they are not aware that there is such as thing called conservation or preservation framing.

The limited edition prints are:

1) Fluffy the slightly pink kangaroo



2) Poplars and copses



3) Nocturne (etching)



4) Commemorative Tumulus



5) Hills Hoist



Of course from a layman's point of view, an item framed using conservation techniques and another with non-conservation methods will look exactly the same. Well, initially, that is. But I assure you, the difference will be seen in a few years. The colors on the exposed areas will fade as the accumulated effects of UV light takes their toll. The areas hidden under the mats turn brittle and yellowish.

The following is a description on the materials I used for framing the prints:

Crescent Rag Mat
Mats used for the job are all conservation grade. Rag Mats are made from cotton and not from wood pulp, which makes it free from lignin, the one responsible for the yellowing of paper.

Cotton Rag Foam Board
Foam boards also come in conservation variety. This project all used double matting spaced between foam boards, this gives the frame more depth.

Filmoplast P90 Conservation Paper Tape
The prints were hinged using this conservation tape. A pressure sensitive, white archival paper tape, long fibered and heavier weight than Filmoplast P. Recommended for repairing joints, hinging, and mending damaged edges of documents and book pages. Free from wood pulp and acid. Buffered with calcium carbonate, pH 8.7.

Tru Vue Conservation Clear Glass (with UV filter)
This glass has a UV coating on one side and comes in convenient sizes. The trick in cutting this glass is first determining which side has the UV coating. This is easy to do: grab an x-acto knife and score the glass on the very outside edge. The coating side is the one that scratches easily. This side will face the art. Make sure about this otherwise the coating will be scratched off every time the glass is cleaned.

Lineco Frame Sealing Tape
This tape was used to line the rabbet to further protect the artwork assembly from contact with the wood of the frame which is very acidic.