Archival Framing Information for Rock Posters and Art Prints
Framing and hanging your rock posters and art prints properly will protect them from the damaging effects of acid migration and the environmental damage caused by mold and mildew, natural and fluorescent light, and humidity and temperature fluctuations.
Archival Framing
When done correctly, archival framing allows you to view your rock posters and art prints while providing them a reasonably safe and secure environment. Most professional framers are familiar with archival methods and materials, but don't be afraid to ask questions and make sure they are following the correct procedures. Because wood can give off harmful chemicals, many experts advise using metal frames. If you must use wood, line the inside surfaces of the frame with metallic frame sealing tape to help protect your posters and prints against possible off-gassing. (Some may view this procedure as unnecessary. In the end, you are the one that must decide how far you want to go to protect your poster collection. A valuable rock poster, whether vintage or contemporary, would seem to warrant the best protection possible. Of course, one could also argue that a rock poster costing only $20.00 is not worth the investment in archival framing. Perhaps this is true, but remember, original Fillmore concert posters worth thousands of dollars today were free or cost only a few dollars when they were new.)
The next consideration is whether or not you want to mat your posters and prints. The primary purpose of matting is to separate the artwork from the glazing material covering it. The mat allows for expansion and contraction of the paper artwork caused by changes in temperature and humidity. To be considered archival, mat board must be 100% rag, acid-free museum board. If you prefer not to mat your poster, then use a spacer between the art and the glazing. Unless this is done, humidity may cause mold to grow or allow the poster to adhere to the glazing.
As regards glazing you have two choices: glass or acrylic (the generic name for Plexiglas). Both of these products have positive as well as negative characteristics. Glass is much less expensive than acrylic, and is less likely to bow in a very large frame, but if it breaks it has the potential to cause serious damage to your valuable rock posters. The cost of acrylic is quite high compared to glass, but the chance of damage caused by an accident is minimal. However, acrylic scratches easily, and great care must be taken when cleaning it, as even dust when removed improperly can cause scratching of the surface. Whichever product you use, it must be conservation-grade material, which will filter out up to 98% of damaging ultraviolet rays. This is imperative to minimize the damage caused by exposure to light.
The backing behind your posters should be acid-free archival quality museum board, or foam backer board. The back of the frame should be sealed with paper to prevent access by insects as well as airborne contaminants. Additionally, the frame should be disassembled every 3 to 5 years to check the condition of the poster and framing components.
Proper placement of your framed posters and prints will also contribute to their longevity. Hang the framed work on an interior wall; exterior walls, especially those with a northern exposure, can encourage condensation inside the frame. Even though you have used conservation glazing you still have to eliminate exposure to direct lighting. Try to utilize an area with low light, and with as little variation in temperature and humidity as possible: avoid placing your framed posters and prints close to sources of extreme heat, such as fireplaces and heating vents, or in areas of high humidity, such as a bathroom. This little bit of extra effort on your part will pay off in the long-term preservation of your rock posters and art prints.
