Preservation framing · Houston

Preservation Framing: Protecting Your Collection for Generations

We view every project as a piece of history entrusted to our care. Our approach combines time-honored archival standards with modern climate science to ensure your artwork remains exactly as you see it today, for decades to come.

The preservation pillars

Six commitments on every project.

100% Cotton Rag Mats & BackingsWe utilize only 100% cotton rag boards — buffered or unbuffered to suit the specific medium — never acidic wood-pulp board. This prevents yellowing, foxing, and acidity migration, ensuring the mount remains neutral for centuries.

Reversible Conservation HingingEvery project utilizes handmade Japanese paper hinges set with cooked wheat starch paste. This is the industry standard for strength and safety; it provides exceptional support for delicate paper, yet remains permanently and safely releasable by a future conservator without damaging the artwork.

Precision Sealing & SpacersAll frame rabbets are sealed with inert barrier tapes to prevent off-gassing from the wood. Archival spacers are integrated into every design to ensure a clean air gap, protecting delicate pigments, watercolors, and photographs from touching the glazing.

99% UV-Filtering GlazingWe mandate 99% UV-filtering glazing — such as Tru Vue Conservation Clear®, Museum Glass®, and Optium Museum Acrylic® — to halt the destructive impact of UV rays. This prevents fading, discoloration, and the cumulative, irreversible brittleness of paper fibers.

Climate-Conscious EngineeringWe recognize the challenges of the Houston climate. Our frame packages are engineered to mitigate the impact of humidity shifts and atmospheric pollutants, ensuring a stable micro-environment within the frame.

Structural Integrity & Backing BoardsFor paintings on canvas or panel, we integrate custom-fitted, archival backing boards. These act as a protective barrier against environmental pollutants and physical contact, while ensuring the canvas maintains proper tension and stability within the frame.

Deeper reading in the Journal: What "archival" actually means and how to choose glazing.

At the fitting bench

Preservation procedures, up close.

Fitter working archival mats at the SBAS preservation bench, Houston — Archival mat fitting

Japanese paper hinging of a work on paper at SBAS Houston — Wheat-starch Japanese paper hinging

Frames in progress on the workbench at SBAS Houston — On the bench

Begin

Once a work is yours, make us the first call.

Consultations at our Taft Street showroom, or at your home or office.

Schedule a Consultation