Archival Components

Archival Components

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.

Related Terms

• Preventative Conservation
• Acid Free
• Fade Resistant
• Barrier Tape