
Glossary
Methyl-cellulose & Wheat-paste - Methyl-cellulose is a water-based adhesive made from cellulose (a natural substance found in plant cell walls). It’s often used in art conservation and framing because it’s strong, reversible, and doesn't damage delicate materials. Wheat paste is a simple, traditional adhesive made by cooking wheat flour with water to create a paste-like substance. It has been used for centuries in art, bookbinding, and crafting. Methyl-Cellulose is a more refined, synthetic product and often preferred in more specialised or professional applications, like art framing & conservation. Wheat Paste is more of a traditional adhesive that’s made from natural ingredients and can be easily made.
Archival - All materials and methods are selected to ensure the framing preserves and protects the artworks over time. All materials are acid-free (ph-neutral/balanced) and used to resist yellowing, fading, acid browning (ageing) to prevent degrading so that artworks remain in excellent condition overtime.
Conservation framing - Conservation (Level 2) framing requires that all processes impacting the artwork during framing be fully reversible. In other words, anything you have framed to Level 2 can be returned to its former state, i.e. prior to framing, at any time up to 20 years, assuming that the artwork is not inherently unstable.
Museum framing - Museum (Level 1) framing will give the best possible protection for your artwork. By using the highest quality materials available and the best techniques, the framer can give your work protection from physical and mechanical damage, airborne pollution and acids generated by many framing materials. Level 1 framing should be good for at least 35 years in normal conditions.
Float mount - Float mounting is a popular choice for contemporary artworks, where the artist's intentions or the physical edges of the work are important to the overall aesthetic. It also allows for a clean and professional presentation while offering protection and longevity for the artwork. The artwork is carefully hinged or adhered to a board (such as an archival mount board) using spacers in a deep frame in a way that prevents contact of the artwork with the glass or acrylic. We use rice paper hinges that are pushed through slits in the backing board, and then attached with wheat paste or methyl-cellulose and distilled water.
Raise Float - As above, however the artwork appears to be floating above the board. This is achieved by either using an acid-free, paperbacked foam core, or another mount board smaller than the artwork. This creates the illusion that the artwork is suspended (floating with-in the frame.
Window mount - A window mount in picture framing refers to the decorative mount board or border that surrounds the artwork inside the frame. It has a cut-out (usually rectangular or square) in the middle, allowing the artwork to be displayed while providing a space between the art and the glass. This helps protect the artwork from touching the glass, reduces reflection, and enhances the visual presentation by making the artwork stand out.
Glazing
For more information regarding glazing, please see artglass.groglass.com