ART and other shit that goes on the wall

[pmcd9]

Cool art SS.

[miles]

I need to get a couple things framed, and was wondering, how important is the quality of framing? I mean, not just aesthetically, but the long term preservation of what is framed. One of the prints is fairly rare and pretty pricey (for me) so I want to do right by it. Any thoughts?

What made me think of this was reading about "acid-free mattings" offered by one of the places I looked into.

[Nabubrush]

As I've mentioned, my step-mom is a bona-fide artist (this is how she makes her living, and has for at least 30 years) and she has said don't skimp on the matting. If it's a poster, who cares, but if it's a print you've spent money on, do it up right. Also, in a few years your matting won't be all yellowed, which is nice.

[jay-ell]

What Nabu said is true, but I would also look carefully at the cheaper sites to see if they're also offering "acid-free" mats, but in a quieter fashion. It's my understanding that most professionals use acid-free mats as a matter of course, so don't pay a premium just because one place flies the acid-free banner.

Just because the Subway restaurant advertises that they do not rub the sandwich meats on their arms and backs doesn't necessarily mean that all the others do. They might, but you gotta do the research yourself on that.

[miles]

Ah, true. Damn, framing's expensive. I'd try to just buy the materials and do it myself but I can't even cut a dang tomato straight.

[jay-ell]

From someone who has matted her own work, I recommend going with a pro. The equipment to do it is expensive, and it's harder than it looks to get those nice bevel cuts.

(My mom has the expensive equipment because she changes all the photos of her grandkids in her house at least once a year -- and there are a LOT of them.)