Why Your Artwork Should Never Touch the Glass
When you look at a professionally framed piece of artwork, you may notice that the artwork usually doesn’t actually touch the glass. That small space between the artwork and the glazing is there for a very important reason.
Allowing artwork, photographs, or fine art prints to rest directly against glass can cause permanent damage over time.
Moisture Is the Biggest Concern
Even inside an air-conditioned home, temperature and humidity are constantly changing. Glass can develop small amounts of condensation as those conditions fluctuate.
If artwork is touching the glass, that moisture can become trapped between the two surfaces. Paper readily absorbs moisture, which can lead to rippling, staining, mold growth, or other permanent damage.
In severe cases, the artwork can actually adhere to the glass. Once that happens, attempting to separate the two can damage or even remove part of the image.
Photographs Can Be Especially Vulnerable
Photographs and certain coated printing papers can be particularly susceptible to sticking to glass.
Heat and humidity can soften some photographic and inkjet coatings. When pressed against glass for an extended period, the surface can bond to it. Unfortunately, the problem may not become noticeable until someone tries to remove the photograph from the frame years later.
How Professional Framing Prevents It
There are several ways we create separation between the artwork and the glazing.
One of the most familiar is a mat. In addition to enhancing the presentation of a piece, a mat creates physical space between the artwork and the glass.
For artwork that looks better without a visible mat, we can use frame spacers. These small spacers are concealed beneath the frame’s edge and hold the glass slightly above the artwork without changing its appearance.
The appropriate method depends on the artwork, its materials, and the desired presentation.
What About Canvas?
Canvas is generally framed without glass because the canvas itself does not require glazing in the same way artwork on paper does. This is one reason you’ll commonly see paintings and canvas giclées displayed in traditional frames or float frames without glass.
Works on paper—including watercolor paintings, drawings, pastels, photographs, and fine art prints—usually require considerably more protection.
Good Framing Is About More Than Appearance
A beautiful frame should complement the artwork, but professional custom framing is also about preservation.
Proper spacing, conservation-grade matting and backing materials, appropriate mounting techniques, and quality glazing all work together to create an environment that helps protect your artwork for years to come.
At Artfinity, we use conservation framing techniques because what happens behind the frame is every bit as important as what you see from the front.
The next time you look at a professionally framed piece and notice that little bit of space between the artwork and the glass, you’ll know it’s not there by accident—it’s helping protect the artwork inside.