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Custom frames for works on paper

Works on paper, such as photographs and pastel and charcoal drawings, are more fragile than those on canvas.

Their supervision requires particular special care that only professional framers like those at Atelier Daniel can provide.

Paper, unchanged for 700 years

Works on paper, such as photographs and pastel and charcoal drawings, are more fragile than those on canvas.

Their supervision requires particular special care that only professional framers like those at Atelier Daniel can provide.

Preferred papers

If you are looking for work on paper, consider first those made on 100% rag or acid-proofed alpha-cellulose paper. These will stand up well to the test of time once the work is professionally framed.

If you’re going to print pictures on paper, ask your printer for the best possible quality.

Papers of uncertain conservation

Photocopier paper, newsprint, Kraft paper, corrugated cardboard, cardboard and recycled paper are not recommended if you plan to keep them for years.

These papers tend to degrade relatively quickly because of the alum, an element in the paper’s composition that destroys the paper over time. The acids are produced by the degradation of lignin, a component of the wood (and its pulp), during papermaking.

A wooden frame or even paper that contains these acids can also contaminate paper that was initially free of them over time.

Because acid damage is permanent, it is essential to have your most sensitive works framed by an experienced professional. If necessary, they can use a soaking method to neutralize the papers’ acid content.

The sworn enemies of paper

To ensure your work’s longevity on paper, there is nothing like a quality frame, which will go a long way to keeping it away from unwanted guests.

Humidity

 

Paper is hygroscopic, meaning that it absorbs moisture like a sponge. High humidity will cause the paper’s fibers to expand, making it more vulnerable to surface abrasion and fraying and encouraging the growth of mold and insects.

On the contrary, too little moisture will cause the paper fibers to shrink, making them more brittle and more likely to tear.

Too rapid or too frequent changes in humidity cause stress to the fibers. If the paper is mounted on a frame, it may tear on its own due to extreme expansion and contraction.

Relative humidity of 50% is considered ideal, regardless of temperature. If possible, keep your work in a place with a constant humidity level (avoid basements and bathrooms).

If we deem it necessary, we may advise you to add silica gel (an inert desiccant) to your frame to regulate the structure’s humidity better.

Good framing will protect the work on paper from changes in humidity levels.

Heat

 

High temperatures increase molecular activity and organic reactions, which accelerate the aging of the paper. If heat is combined with high humidity, it can lead to mold growth and insect infestation.

And the cold?

Low temperatures do not usually cause problems.

Light

 

High-intensity sunlight and fluorescent light are the most damaging, as they contain the full spectrum of light, including ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV rays are the leading cause of discolouration of artwork and the yellowing of paper.

Did you know that incandescent and halogen bulbs and fluorescent tubes also produce UV radiation? To maximize the preservation of your artwork, choose LED lighting, which makes virtually no UV radiation.

In addition to UV rays, the sun also emits infrared rays (these are at the lower end of the light spectrum). These generate heat, which accelerates the aging and weakening of fibers and discoloration. Artificial light sources also emit infrared rays but at a lower intensity.

The damage caused by all types of light is cumulative and permanent, depending on the intensity and duration of exposure. Therefore, it is best to place your photographs and other works on paper on a wall with lower light levels.

To protect your art pieces from UV rays, we offer a glass frame with UV filters.

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Pests

 

Mice, moths, carpet beetles, bostrychids, beetles, flies, silverfish, cockroaches, spokes, etc., all feed on paper components, mainly starch and cellulose. They all feed on the parts of paper, primarily starch and cellulose.

Damage can be caused by the insects themselves or their larvae, eggs, excrement, or carcasses. It is best to prevent them from infecting your paper borne art. Damage is usually well advanced by the time these pests are discovered.

High humidity, heat, and dirt (including table scraps) contribute to their proliferation. Vermin also like darkness… while the light is harmful to paper. There is no ideal situation. You have to deal with these two contradictory realities.

A dust and water-resistant frame will prevent insects and animals from damaging your work.

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Air pollutants

 

Chemicals and particles in the air we breathe can destroy paper. Here are the most common ones and their sources:
  • Sulfur: Produced from the combustion of fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas, and oil.
  • Chlorides: “Salt air” can come from the evaporation of sweat or cooking steam.
  • Nitrogen oxide: Comes from vehicle pollution and deterioration of photographic film.
  • Formaldehyde: From insulation, wood fiber products, fabric finishes, and foam rubber.
  • Acids: Result from the reaction of the products listed above with moisture.
  • Ozone: Comes from electrical appliances.
  • Alkaline aerosols: From fresh concrete.
  • Particulates: From smoke, oils, grease, soot, and dust.

To avoid exposing the paper to pollutants as much as possible:

  • Do not store the work in the garage or any other place where combustion and its by-products are present.

To remove some of the airborne pollutants, you can also use an air filter that you maintain adequately for the best results.

Note, however, that if a work of art on paper has been exposed to chemical agents, these can continue to damage even if it is then placed in an environment where the air is filtered.

The damage caused by air pollutants is mostly irreversible.

If you notice a deterioration of your work of art on paper, our team will remove all traces of pollutants to stop the progression of the damage.

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Molds

 

Mold spores (fungi) are always present in the air. They settle and germinate into tiny plants where conditions are favourable.

Reduced air circulation, relative humidity (RH) above 70%, and temperatures above 70oF (22oC) favour germination. Once germination has started, growth can continue even under less favourable conditions.

Prevent mold growth by promoting good air circulation and keeping temperature and humidity levels under control. Avoid dusty and dirty places.

If mold has formed on your work of art on paper, we can remove it effectively without damaging the work.
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Property damage

 

Creases, ripples, tears, warping, marks, perforation’s and cuts are usually permanent, although Atelier Daniel’s conservation professionals can usually correct them.

We advise you to take a preventive approach. Handle your work as little as possible. Have it framed quickly.