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Archival Framing Explained: Why Poor Framing Methods Can Permanently Damage Your Artwork
- cdfineartprints
- Mar 18
- 4 min read
Framing should do more than make artwork look beautiful — it should protect and preserve it for decades to come. Unfortunately, we regularly see valuable artworks that have been unintentionally damaged by poor framing methods such as adhesives, staples, pins, and non-archival materials.
At Lion Studios Framing, we believe your artwork deserves to be treated with respect. Here’s why how your artwork is framed matters just as much as how it looks on the wall.
When Incorrect Framing Becomes Damage
One of the most common situations we see in the studio is when clients bring in older framed pieces that they would like refreshed to suit new interior styling.
Sometimes the frame itself simply needs updating.
But quite often, when we open the frame, we discover something far more concerning.
Recently we removed a limited edition screen print from a frame only to discover that it had been completely adhered to the mat board using large strips of double-sided tape across the back of the artwork.
Not just small corner tabs.
The artwork had been stuck down across the entire surface. Had the artwork been correctly framed with wheatstarch hinges, it would have been easy to remove from the backing board without cost or damage to the artwork.
This particular piece has also suffered significant water damage along the lower edge. While the water damage itself cannot be reversed, removing the artwork from the adhesive backing will significantly improve the visual presentation and allow it to be remounted correctly using archival methods.
Because the screen used to produce this limited edition print no longer exists, the artwork cannot simply be replaced.
Removing the adhesive safely will now require hours of careful conservation work, dissolving and lifting adhesive residue costing hundreds of dollars so the artwork can be safely remounted without causing further damage.
Other Damage We Regularly See
Unfortunately, this situation is not rare.
Over the years we’ve opened frames to find:
Embroideries and tapestries
Stapled directly to backing boards
Stretched with pins through the fabric
Sports jerseys
The back of the jersey cut out
Fabric stapled or pinned through to hold it flat
Limited edition prints
Mounted using aggressive adhesives
Attached permanently with double-sided tape
Pressed onto non-archival boards
These methods can permanently damage the piece.
Why Archival Framing Matters
Professional framing is not just about decoration.
It’s about conservation.
At Lion Studios Framing, we use archival and reversible techniques whenever we are working with valuable or irreplaceable artworks.
These methods protect the artwork while allowing it to be safely removed in the future if required.
Some of the techniques we use include:
Japanese rice paper hinges
Wheat starch paste mounting
Artcare conservation boards
Acid-free materials
Hand-lacing textiles and embroideries
Support mounting for jerseys and fabric pieces
The key principle is simple:
Nothing we do should permanently damage the artwork.
Every technique should be reversible, preserving the artwork for future generations.
Why Professional Framing Costs More
A professionally framed piece may sometimes cost more than the artwork itself, particularly when conservation methods and quality materials are used.
That cost reflects several important factors:
archival conservation materials
specialised mounting techniques
skilled craftsmanship
the time and labour required to handle artwork correctly
Proper framing is not just about presentation.
It is about ensuring the artwork remains protected and preserved for many years to come.
Ask Your Framer the Right Questions
If you are having something valuable framed, it is perfectly reasonable to ask questions such as:
How will the artwork be mounted?
Are the materials acid-free?
Is the mounting method reversible?
Will adhesives be used directly on the artwork?
How will textiles or jerseys be supported?
A good framer will be happy to explain their process.
Respecting the Artwork
Whether it’s a limited edition print, signed jersey, family embroidery, or original artwork, the goal of framing should always be the same:
to protect and honour the piece, not risk damaging it.
Because when it comes to framing:
what you get really is what you pay for.
Archival Picture Framing in Port Stephens
At Lion Studios Framing in Port Stephens, we regularly work with collectors, artists, and families who want to ensure their artwork is framed using proper conservation techniques. Whether it’s a limited edition print, a signed jersey, an embroidery, or a family heirloom, our goal is always the same — to protect the artwork while presenting it beautifully.
If you’re looking for archival picture framing in Port Stephens or the surrounding areas, we’re always happy to discuss the safest way to preserve your artwork.
Frequently Asked Questions About Archival Framing
Is double-sided tape safe for framing artwork?
No. Double-sided tape can cause permanent damage to artwork. Over time the adhesive can stain paper, leave residue, and make it extremely difficult to remove the artwork without tearing or damaging it. For valuable or irreplaceable pieces, professional framers use reversible mounting techniques instead.
What is archival framing?
Archival framing refers to conservation techniques designed to protect artwork for the long term. These methods use acid-free materials and reversible mounting systems so the artwork can be safely removed in the future without damage.
Common archival framing methods include Japanese paper hinges, wheat starch paste, and conservation-grade mounting boards.
Why should limited edition prints be framed using archival methods?
Limited edition prints are often irreplaceable. If the original printing plates or screens no longer exist, damage to the artwork may not be repairable. Archival framing ensures the artwork is mounted in a way that protects it from adhesives, acid damage, and long-term deterioration.
Can damaged artwork be repaired if it has been taped down?
In many cases, conservation techniques can remove adhesive residue and improve the presentation of the artwork. However, the process can be extremely time-consuming and costly and may involve careful solvent work to dissolve old adhesive without harming the artwork. Preventing damage through proper framing is always the best option.
How do I know if my artwork has been framed properly?
A professional framer should be able to explain:
how the artwork will be mounted
whether the materials are acid-free
whether the mounting method is reversible
how the artwork will be protected from long-term damage
If the artwork is valuable or sentimental, these questions are always worth asking.
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