Achieving clarity: glazing solutions for works on paper

Abstract

This article explores the variety of glazing materials, specifically several types of glass and acrylic sheets, currently available on the market for use in framing works of art on paper. Current conservation standards for framing and glazing are considered, including a specific discussion of filtering ultraviolet wavelengths from light sources. The characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses of each product are considered, followed by a table of glazing products and a list of vendors included as an appendix at the end of the article.

Keywords:

• glazing
• acrylic
• glass
• UV filtering
• non-reflective
• framing
• museum conservation
• conservation framing

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to express their thanks to Jared Bark of Bark Frameworks, New York, NY and to Leslie Paisley, chief paper conservator at the Williamstown Art Conservation Center, Williamstown, MA (http://www.williamstownart.org).

Notes

1. This article is an update of an article by Margaret Holben Ellis which appeared in Museum Management and Curatorship in 1994, necessitated by recent developments in glazing products.

2. The term glazing refers to a transparent rigid sheet, either of glass or plastic, used in a picture frame.

3. Yellow glass is also a very effective filter of UV radiation. Its use or the use of yellow shades was recommended for use in museum windows as early as 1924, while the use of blue or violet fabrics for blinds was discouraged (Lucas 1924).

4. Among other products on the market, Universal Products, Intermediate Easy Removable Vinyl, which has a specially removable adhesive, can be used as a paint premask and temporary marking film. It is available from suppliers of graphic design materials.

5. Elsec Crawford UV Monitor is available from Littlemore Scientific Engineering, Dorset, UK; also through Conservation Resources International, Inc., Springfield, VA, USA; Preservation Equipment Ltd, Norfolk, UK; University Products, Holyoke, MA, USA; and Lascaux Colours & Restauro, Brüttisellen, Switzerland.

6. Meters which measure absolute UV levels are available from Meaco, Staffordshire, UK; J.S. Holdings, Stevenage Hertfordshire, UK; Preservation Equipment and University Products have an UV monitor which measures absolute UV levels, as do Novatron Scientific Ltd, West Sussex, UK.