Glazing can be either glass or acrylic. Only glass should be used with any friable media such as unfixed pastels, charcoals, or graphite, never acrylic as it can damage the work by attracting these materials. There are many brands of acrylic glazing to choose from; one with an ultraviolet filter is recommended. The frame and the mat should be deep enough to prevent the artwork from touching the glazing. A stiff backboard behind the mat protects and supports the matted artwork. It wildanimalpicture is best to use non-acidic boards. A dust seal with paper or tape is also recommended. What damage results from using poor quality mat board? Avoid mat boards containing wood pulp which causes "matburn"--a darkening of the paper under the mat or at the bevel cut of the window mat. This type of stain permanently weakens the paper fibers and is not easily removed or lightened in conservation treatment.

How can I protect my works on paper from light damage? Even though your artwork may be framed under UV filtering acrylic sheeting, the intensity of the light and duration of exposure is a concern. Try to avoid direct and excessive daylight. Close window curtains or wildanimalpicture drape the artwork when possible. Windows can also be covered with a film or a screen that will lower light intensity and ultraviolet rays. If possible take down the artwork periodically and exchange it with another piece, allowing the work to "rest" in storage. The most light-sensitive materials include watercolors and gouache, modern color inks, pastels, newsprint and all color papers. It is important to remember that light damage is cumulative and irreversible.. My solid wood sculpture is cracking in the vertical wildanimalpicture direction. What can I do?Q. I have an outdoor bronze sculpture. How should I take care of it?

What is the cause of dark spots that sometimes appear on the paper of drawings and paintings? Reddish-brown spots are known as "foxing", caused by mold or the deterioration wildanimalpicture of the metallic impurities left in the paper from the manufacturing process. wildanimalpicture Other colors of spots may be one of many types of mold damage. Mold spores are everywhere in the environment, and mold thrives on cellulosic materials, especially in conditions of high humidity (above wildanimalpicture 65% of relative humidity). Keeping artworks out of high humidity areas like bathrooms or exterior walls, can help reduce the development of such stains. wildanimalpicture If I have a work of art on paper that appears to not be flat, should I be concerned? Paper is hygroscopic, reacting to changes in climate by expanding when it is humid and contracting when it is dry. A gentle undulation in the paper called "cockling" occurs under these conditions, especially with larger works. This may impair the work aesthetically as well as cause mediums such as gouache to crack or flake as it is unable to expand and contract as the paper itself does.

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