Corrugated Cardboard
Definition
Corrugated Cardboard is a paper-based sheet material composed of a fluted inner core sandwiched between two flat linerboards. The fluting improves shock absorption, provides cushioning, and adds structural integrity, making it a widely used material for packaging picture frames, art, and related supplies.
Properties
- Lightweight yet strong: The fluted core creates rigidity while keeping weight low.
- Shock-absorbing: Provides protection during shipping and handling.
- Versatile: Available in single-wall, double-wall, and heavy-duty grades for different protective needs.
- Recyclable: Made primarily from wood pulp fibers, and often produced with recycled content.
Applications in Framing & Art Handling
- Commonly used to create shipping boxes for frames and artwork.
- Serves as a temporary backing material for oversized prints or art in transit.
- Used as protective layering in hybrid or soft-packing methods.
- Occasionally employed as a low-cost mounting surface for non-archival purposes (not recommended for conservation work).
Conservation Considerations
Standard corrugated cardboard is not acid-free and will off-gas over time, making it unsuitable for archival or long-term storage of artwork. For preservation purposes, framers should use acid-free foam core or Coroplast instead.
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