Purchase & Care FAQ

Aside from the cost of the art purchase, conservation framing will be your next greatest expense. Depending on where you go, often the framing will cost above and beyond the price you paid for the original art. The upside is that if the piece has promise as an investment, framing it well will only net you greater dividends in the long run. In any event, framing a piece of art well often adds to its value and makes it look 3 times more valuable than what you paid for it. If you do not have a personal framer that you trust, proceed cautiously. For many new collectors, this can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be.

Today quality framing can be had readily, and for a relatively reasonable price. So, what is conservation framing? Simply put, conservation framing means to frame in a way that will preserve and protect the quality of the item framed. Essentially this means using materials that are acid free, UV protective, and heat and humidity resistant. The process of conservation framing is simply framing your art in a way that provides the most protection from external elements that can degrade or erode the piece over the years.

Many frame shops, especially large chains, often employ students and workers that may or may not be well versed on what conservation framing entails. Do not assume that all frame shops will automatically use the best quality materials when framing your art. It is always best to ask if they employ the use of conservation materials in their framing process. These days most framers will say yes. However, this cannot be taken for granted. In an effort to cut costs, many shops will use cheaper materials of a lessor quality. What this means for you is that over the years your mats will perspire, fade and yellow, their dyes staining your original art and depreciating its value. Using quality conservation materials may be more expensive, you must decide whether or not the piece you’re framing is important enough to you to invest in a slightly more expensive process.

What exactly is involved in the conservation framing process?

1. UV Protection Glass. Ultraviolet light rays can be the most damaging element where your art is concerned. UV light rays (the sun shining on your art day in and day out) can be harmful and dangerous to the integrity of your art. This is especially true of watercolors and photographs, but ultimately it does harm to all art. Always ask for UV protective glass when framing with glass is required. Conservation quality glass is formulated to filter out at least 95% of damaging light rays before they come in contact with your art.

2. Acid Free Matboards and Backing. Ordinary matboards are generally pulp-based and contain acids and other elements that over time will damage and degrade the value of your art. Always ask for conservation quality art matboards and backing. This way you can be confident that your art is being framed free of all impurities that are found in ordinary boards. They will last longer, hold their shape and color, and not fade onto your artwork as time goes by.

3. Acid Free Hinging or Mounting. When framing paper pieces, framers will usually mount the original or the print onto the backboard or mat using various techniques. This may involve anything from rubber glue to masking tape. Make sure you let your framer know that you want conservation mounting. This means that they should use only the highest quality acid free art tapes and/or other compounds when mounting your art, especially in the case of originals. Should you ever decide to redecorate or even change the room you hang your art in, you may need to consider having it reframed to compliment the new environment. If the art is mounted poorly, trying to dismount and reframe could be risky and possibly even damaging to the artwork.

Art can soothe the mind and comfort the soul. Finding pieces that speak to you and bring you joy can be an exciting adventure. For hundreds of years artist have sold their wares on the fine art circuit. From galleries to fine art festivals and sidewalk strolls, art has reemerged as a lucrative and rewarding endeavor for both the artist and the collector.

Buyers purchase art for several reasons. Some make esthetic choices and purchase a piece simply because they like the look of it. Others are more collector savvy and try to purchase what they think will ultimately be of some value and add to their investment portfolio. However, I have found that most art buyers today are typically looking for a little bit of both; enjoyment and growing an attractive and hopefully valuable collection, that makes a personal statement. Hanging attractive pieces of art in your home or office can be a gratifying experience.

Regardless of why you purchase fine art, there are a few things you should probably keep in mind. You can never really be sure of whether or not your art will be worth a million dollars one day, so in the meantime you should try and protect your investment as it matures, just in case.

Whenever you purchase original art or art prints from GPY International Galleries, we provide you with a signed certificate of authenticity bearing our gallery seal and a status specification sheet that outlines all relevant statistical and sales information about the piece you are purchasing. Always keep these materials in a secure place. Establish an accordion type file folder or even a simple manila folder and protective envelope to keep the integrity of your purchase documents protected and safe. Try to avoid storing them in places that are hot or exposed to cooking fumes, smoke fumes, etc. A cool dry place is best.

Art collecting can be a wonderful experience. When purchasing from the original artist always get a certificate and receipt. If the piece appreciates in value or becomes notable for any reason, you want to have the documentation that says when and where you purchased it. The same applies for galleries selling original art or limited-edition prints. Buying art is just like buying anything else. Make sure that you’re purchasing the product from the owner and that you receive the documents to back it up.

Rotating art is becoming a more common practice. It gives one a different perspective for the day. Think about it; what if you had to eat Special K for breakfast every day for the next 3 years? Well, whether you realize it or not, looking at the same image on the same wall everyday of your life for the next 3 years has a limiting effect on your psyche and overall wellbeing. Even if you like the image, it may no longer spark the creativity, inspiration, or shear lightness of being that it originally provoked at the time of purchase. People change. They grow older. Their likes and dislikes change or mature. Rotating your art can enhance your self confidence and overall wellbeing. If the image that hangs directly outside your bathroom no longer inspires you, or worse, you don’t even notice that it’s there — change it! You’ll be surprised.