AboutSara Tro Expertise I am a professional custom picture framer and designer. I have experience in all areas of
picture framing, and own my own custom framing shop. I can answer questions relating
to the design of a piece, the preservation of the artwork, color theory, photograph
restoration, decor, art placement, room balancing and installation questions.
Experience I have owned my own retail custom frame shop for 5 years, and managed a high-end shop before that for 5.5 years. I worked for a professional restorer and archivist for 8 months prior to the management position. I am also a fine artist myself, with a BFA in Photography and Printmaking, and have been framing my own work for years and years.
Education/Credentials BFA Fine Arts, NYSCC at Alfred University, NY
Expert: Sara Tro Date: 4/2/2008 Subject: Framing an oil/acrylic work of art
Question Dear Sara:
Please advise whether glass should be used for an oil/acrylic work of art painted on canvas, paper or board. While the glass may protect the paper, I was not aware that you should/could do it for canvas or board.
Thanks, Christine
Answer Hi Christine,
thanks for the great question!
This is a traditional debate within the framing community, and I'll give you the best advice I can on it..
So, glass mostly serves as a protection for artwork, from moisture, dust, insects, sunlight/UV/florescents, etc. For works on paper, I always recommend glass to clients, mostly to keep artwork from getting damaged or warping from dampness. For oil based works on canvas, the standard used to be that glass was never used, as canvases need to breathe and continue to dry over years and years. Glass was thought to trap any moisture coming from the art itself, and therefore cause mold damage and paint/ canvas/gesso separation. BUT, now... Recent information has emerged about glass acting as the same protectant for paintings as for paper. Some museums are choosing "museum glass" or "denglas" for important paintings. I still do not insist that clients add glass to oils on canvas.. I usually don't put glass on canvases at all. I suppose if would depend on where the piece will hang. Some areas (near or in a bathroom, on an "exterior" wall of the home, above a fireplace,etc.) are more problematic than others, and can cause any concerning things to amplify. Also, glass has added lead in it, for clarity, which makes it absorb or attract moisture from the air. This can be an issue if there isn't enough room for air to circulate inside the package.
In general, I go for UV glass on most artwork, (paintings on paper, posters, prints,etc), and it can be necessary or useful on canvases, but in more special or unique circumstances.
I hope this helps some, and best if luck with your projects!
Sara
