Commended Level

Objective

To visually enhance artwork and offer a moderate level of protection from airborne pollution and acid damage for around five years in normal conditions

Suitable for

Replaceable artwork of limited commercial and/or moderate sentimental value and where visual appearance is important. Processes must be fully reversible unless the customer specifically requests otherwise, in which case the customer must be informed in writing

Moulding

No significant blemishes. Care must be taken to match the pieces. The moulding should have a rebate that is sufficiently deep to comfortably hold the sandwich

Mitres

Accurately cut, pinned tightly and glued. Corners to be touched-up so no unfinished moulding is visible

Windowmount

A windowmount or slip should normally be used to visually enhance the artwork and distance it from the glazing. If close framing is required, there should be a spacer between the artwork and the glazing. The corners of the windowmount must be cleanly cut; the mountboard must be free from blemishes; standard-quality mountboard is acceptable; there must be clearance of 1mm inside the rebate. Slip moulding must be accurately cut and joined. Multiple mounts or deep spacers must be used to frame works with migrant pigments, such as pastel drawings

Undermount

There should be a barrier layer between the artwork and the back board; this can be made from standard-quality mountboard. There should be sufficient clearance inside the rebate

Attaching artwork

The artwork should be hinged to the undermount, along the top edge, or a similarly reversible process should be used, such as corner pockets. It is not acceptable to make hinges from self-adhesive tape or from tape with a high acid content. Artwork must be properly centred and free from blemish caused by framing

Glazing

Float glass or better, free from obvious blemishes. Must be cut to allow sufficient clearance inside the rebate of the frame. It is not acceptable for the glazing to touch the artwork

Back board

Hardboard, MDF or better cut to allow sufficient clearance inside the rebate

Securing the
frame

The frame must be secured with framers' points or tacks; flexible tabs are not acceptable

Hanging

Hanging fittings must be sufficiently strong to support the frame

Finish

Dust and dirt should be removed and the glass should be cleaned and polished without smears. It is not acceptable to seal the back with self-adhesive tape; gummed-paper tape must be used and this must be carefully applied. Pads or buffers should be applied to the two lower inside corners. A label giving the date and the framer's name should be adhered to the back