Ideally a print should be mounted and matted at the time of purchase in a high quality Acid Free and Lignin Free Mat board or Rag Board and Mount Board. Apart from light and UV Rays Pollutants are the major cause of artwork degradation.
Pollutants are not limited to air pollution. They can’t be removed by air conditioning systems and are prevalent in the most congested cities and on the most remote mountains.
The following is a list of the most damaging pollutants and their sources.
Acid Gases:
Sulfur Dioxide is and acid gas created by the burning of fossil fuels and is found naturally in volcanic ash. When it comes into contact with the natural moisture in the paper sulfur dioxide becomes an acid.
Nitrogen Dioxide is an acid gas generated mainly by car exhaust. When it reacts with moisture it becomes nitrous and nitric acids are formed. Both of these acids break down cellulose fibers in paper making it brittle.
Oxidizing Gases:
Ozone is a powerful oxidizing gas produced by sunlight reacting with oxygen.
Peroxides originate from fumes in wall paint, cardboard (poor quality mat boards) and household cleaners.
Ammonia is present in household cleaners and in solvents. These oxidizing gases discolour the colourants in artwork and enhance the formation of acids.
Formaldehyde is a damaging oxidizing gas that commonly out-gasses from the glues in plywood, MDF, particle board insulation and even carpets & rugs. This reaction creates formic acid another acid which actively damages cellulose and other artifact materials.
Internal Degradative Pollutants:
Acetic Acid and Formic Acid are produced in the natural deterioration of the artwork itself, although, the more pure the original paper, the slower and less it occurs.
High quality 100% cotton Rag boards and Archival Mat Boards are specifically designed to reduce the affects of these pollutants and increase the longevity of the artwork.
The Art of Life® Gallery & Framing Specialises in conservation framing.
by taola
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