How Professional Framing Protects Valuable Art for the Long Haul
Why Framing Is More Than Just Decoration
Have you ever walked into someone’s home or a gallery and admired how a piece of artwork just “popped” off the wall? Chances are, it wasn’t just the art—it was the frame. While framing certainly enhances the presentation of a piece, it’s so much more than a decorative border. In fact, professional framing is one of the most effective ways to protect valuable artwork from long-term damage.
Whether it’s your child’s first painting, a cherished wedding photo, or a signed limited-edition print, the frame acts as a safeguard against environmental threats and physical wear.
At The Frame Shop, we’ve seen firsthand how the right framing choice can preserve a piece for generations—or how poor framing can cause fading, warping, or acid burns. Have you ever wondered if the frame around your favorite artwork is helping it or harming it? Let’s dig deeper into what truly protective framing looks like, and why it’s such a smart investment.
Understanding the Enemies of Unprotected Artwork
Before we get into how our framing solutions can help, it’s important to understand what your artwork is up against. Art is surprisingly delicate, and there are many environmental threats that can cause long-term damage. Light—especially UV light—can cause colors to fade over time. Humidity can warp paper and canvas or lead to the development of mold and mildew.
Even dust, pollutants, and fingerprints can cause staining or deterioration. Then there’s the issue of materials: acidic mats, non-archival tapes, and untreated wood can release gases that discolor or eat away at your artwork over time. Scary stuff, right? Have you ever opened a frame and found yellowing around the edges of a print or strange speckles on a photo? These are signs of improper protection. That’s where professional framing steps in—not just to enhance the look of your piece, but to shield it from these silent attackers. Ready to learn how? Read on—we’re just getting started.
UV-Protective Glass: A Must-Have for Long-Term Preservation
Let’s start with one of the most powerful tools in professional framing: UV-protective glass. You might be surprised to learn that regular glass doesn’t filter out the harmful rays that cause artwork to fade. Over time, ultraviolet (UV) light can bleach out colors, degrade paper, and cause irreversible damage. That’s why we always recommend UV-protective glazing—either glass or acrylic—for pieces with sentimental or financial value.
At The Frame Shop, we use conservation-grade glass that blocks up to 99% of UV rays. This is especially important if your art is displayed in a bright room or near a window. Think about it—have you ever noticed how a newspaper left in the sun yellows and fades? The same thing can happen to your art. With the right UV-protective glass, you don’t have to choose between displaying your pieces proudly and preserving them safely. You can have both. When was the last time you checked what kind of glass is in your frame?
The Importance of Acid-Free Mats and Backing
If you’ve ever opened an old frame and noticed the artwork has yellowed or developed brown spots, you’ve likely seen what acid can do. Standard mat boards and backings are often made with wood pulp, which contains acids that release over time. These acids seep into your artwork, causing discoloration, brittleness, and sometimes complete degradation. That’s why acid-free, archival-quality materials are so critical in professional framing.
At The Frame Shop, we use museum-grade mats and backing boards that are pH-neutral and lignin-free, meaning they won’t break down or harm your art. We also carefully hinge your artwork using archival corners or special tapes that won’t leave residue or tears. Are you storing something precious in a frame you bought off the shelf years ago? It might be time for an upgrade. Acid damage can be slow and subtle, but once it starts, it’s nearly impossible to reverse. Why risk it when safer options are readily available?
Spacers and Floating Mounts: Letting Your Art Breathe
Another essential part of preservation framing is the use of spacers and floating mounts. These techniques ensure that your artwork doesn’t come into direct contact with the glass, which can cause condensation, sticking, or even mold if humidity levels change. For 3D artwork, textile pieces, or works on delicate paper, a floating mount not only looks elegant but provides critical airflow and space. At The Frame Shop, we carefully measure and create frames with proper spacing to support both the structure and appearance of your piece. Have you ever seen a photo stuck to the glass inside a frame? That happens when there’s no spacer to keep the surface off the glazing. By giving your art room to breathe, we help it maintain its original beauty and integrity. Think of it like giving your artwork its own bubble of protection. It’s subtle but powerful.
Sealing and Finishing for Maximum Protection
Once your piece is mounted, matted, and glazed, the final step in the framing process is sealing it all together. Why is this so important? Because the back of the frame is where a lot of environmental exposure can creep in—dust, bugs, and air pollutants can all enter through gaps. At The Frame Shop, we use archival sealing tape, proper dust covers, and felt bumpers to ensure a tight, professional finish that keeps the elements out. This attention to detail doesn’t just make your piece look polished—it helps it last. We’ve had customers bring in art they stored “safely” in a frame, only to discover that insects had gotten in and eaten away parts of the matboard. Yikes. Proper sealing might not be the most glamorous part of the frame, but it’s one of the most crucial. Is the back of your frame properly sealed? If not, it might be time for a professional touch.
Custom Framing for Uniquely Sized or Valuable Pieces
Not all artwork comes in standard sizes, and not all standard frames are built to preserve your piece. Whether it’s an oversized canvas, an unusually shaped photo, or a valuable original, custom framing ensures that every inch of your artwork gets the attention it deserves.
At The Frame Shop, we design and build each frame to fit your piece exactly, using materials and techniques tailored to its specific needs. We consider the type of medium, the value (sentimental or financial), and where you plan to display or store it. Do you have a one-of-a-kind item sitting in a drawer because you can’t find a frame that fits? Or maybe you’ve jammed something valuable into a store-bought frame that “mostly works”? It’s time to give your artwork the custom care it deserves. Not only will it look better, but it will also be safer in the long run.
The Benefits of Working with Framing Professionals
You could buy a frame off the shelf. But when it comes to valuable or irreplaceable art, why risk it? Working with professional framers means you get access to expert knowledge, museum-grade materials, and years of experience in preservation. At The Frame Shop, we don’t just make your piece look good—we protect it using the same methods trusted by galleries and museums. We consult with you about your goals, your space, and your budget. Then we recommend options that balance aesthetic appeal with archival quality.
It’s not just about selling a frame—it’s about building a long-term home for your art. Have you ever had a framer walk you through the materials they’re using and why? We do, because we believe informed choices are the best kind. Think of us as your artwork’s personal security team—we’re here to keep it safe, stylish, and strong for years to come.
Everyday Care Tips to Maximize Framing Protection
Even the best frame can’t do its job if you hang it in the wrong spot or neglect it over time. That’s why we always offer care tips to help our clients keep their framed art in top condition. First, avoid placing artwork in direct sunlight or near sources of heat or moisture. That includes fireplaces, bathrooms, and kitchens. Second, clean the glass with a soft microfiber cloth and a non-ammonia cleaner—never spray directly onto the glass, especially if it’s acrylic.
Third, check your artwork periodically for signs of warping, discoloration, or insect activity. And finally, if you’re moving, always wrap your framed art with bubble wrap or corner protectors and transport it upright. At The Frame Shop, we provide guidance for every piece we frame, so you feel confident taking care of it at home. Do you have a framed piece that hasn’t been cleaned or checked in years? Give it a little love—it deserves it.
Let The Frame Shop Protect Your Art—Serving Broward County
If you’ve made it this far, congratulations—you now know what it takes to truly protect your valuable art through professional framing. From UV protection and acid-free materials to custom sizing and sealing, every detail counts when it comes to long-term preservation. And if you’re in Broward County, The Frame Shop is your local expert in artwork protection and custom framing.
Whether you’re an artist, collector, or someone who simply treasures meaningful pieces, we’re here to help you frame with care and confidence.
We invite you to stop by our shop or call for a consultation—we’d love to hear about your artwork and recommend the perfect framing solution to keep it safe and beautiful for years to come. Don’t wait until damage has already occurred. Let us help you preserve what matters most. So—what will you frame next? Let’s make sure it lasts a lifetime.