Definition: Archival components are the individual materials and parts in a framing package-mats, backings, glazing, adhesives, spacers, and barrier layers-selected because they are chemically stable, acid-free (and typically lignin-free), and conform to preservation best practices to extend the life of the artwork.

What Counts as an Archival Component?

Mats: 100% cotton rag or purified alpha-cellulose boards (often buffered) that prevent acid migration.
Backings: Archival foam core, rag backing board, or stable aluminum composites isolated with barrier layers.
Glazing: UV-filtering acrylic or glass (e.g., conservation glazing) to reduce light-induced fading.
Adhesives & Hinging: Reversible, conservation-safe methods (e.g., Japanese paper hinges with wheat starch paste); avoid pressure-sensitive household tapes.
Spacers & Liners: Inert spacers to keep art off glazing; fabric liners built over archival cores.
Barrier Layers: Polyester films, rag interleaves, or aluminum-laminate foils; perimeter sealing with Barrier Tape.
Hardware & Fittings: Non-corroding metals; sealed woods or isolated ferrous parts to prevent off-gassing/transfer.

Why They Matter

A frame is a micro-enclosure. If any component is acidic, unstable, or reactive, it can accelerate deterioration (yellowing, embrittlement, staining, or fade loss). Using archival components throughout ensures the enclosure supports long-term preservation, not just presentation.

Best-Practice Assembly Tips

Maintain a fully archival path from art surface to the back board-no single weak link.
Isolate wood mouldings with foil or films; seal rabbet edges where necessary.
Employ reversible mounts; avoid full-surface, permanent dry mounting on irreplaceable works.
Control environment: moderate RH and temperature; minimize UV and visible light exposure.

Professional Standards & Guidelines

ISO 18902 (Imaging materials-Albums, framing, and storage materials): requirements for enclosures and framing components.
Library of Congress Preservation Guidelines: prefer acid-free, lignin-free, buffered papers/boards and UV-mitigating display.
AIC (American Institute for Conservation) Code of Ethics & Guidelines: principles for Preventative Conservation and conservation framing.
ASTM material/performance tests (e.g., pH, lignin content, aging studies) for boards, papers, and plastics used in framing.

Common Misconceptions

"Acid-free = archival." Not always. True archival components also address lignin removal, buffering (when appropriate), plasticizer stability, and long-term aging.
"UV glazing alone makes it archival." Glazing protects from light but cannot compensate for acidic mats, boards, or adhesives inside the package.
"Permanent mounts are safer." Reversible, minimally invasive mounts are preferred for original or valuable works.

Quick Component Checklist

Mat/Backer: rag or alpha-cellulose; appropriate buffering.
Adhesive: reversible; non-staining; conservator-approved.
Glazing: UV-filtering with adequate spacing from the art.
Barriers/Seals: inert films and Barrier Tape where needed.
Hardware: non-corroding; contact surfaces isolated from the art.

Archival Components