A $2,000 signed print stored improperly can be worth $200 in five years. Framed correctly, it's worth $6,000. The difference is entirely in how you protect it. Here's what every collector needs to know about proper framing and conservation.
The Four Non-Negotiables
1. UV-Protective Glazing
Standard glass blocks almost no UV. Museum glass (like Tru Vue Conservation Clear or Museum Glass) blocks 97–99% of UV. This single change extends the life of a print by decades. Yes, it costs more—$80–$300 per frame depending on size. It's the best investment you'll make for your collection.
2. Acid-Free Matting
Standard cardboard mats are acidic and will brown and damage your print over decades. Always use acid-free (archival) mat boards. Regular mat boards typically have a pH of 4–5; archival mats are pH-neutral (7+).
3. Archival Mounting
Never dry-mount or use adhesives that touch the print directly. Use archival mounting corners or Japanese tissue hinges that are reversible. Irreversible mounting destroys value—the work can never be safely unframed.
4. Backing Material
The backing board should also be archival quality. This prevents off-gassing from MDF or cardboard from affecting your print from behind.
Where to Display
- Away from direct sunlight (even with UV glass)
- Away from exterior walls (temperature fluctuation causes expansion/contraction damage)
- At stable humidity 45–55% (humidity fluctuation causes waviness in paper prints)
- Not above fireplaces or radiators (heat and soot damage are irreversible)
Every Gauntlet Gallery print can be sourced with our professional framing service—museum glass, archival mounting, and display-ready.
