Framing your Antique Map and Print

As long term collector and owner of Museum Framing, its always been my concern that antique and/or rare maps and prints are properly framed so the owner of the item can enjoy it for many years to come.  Also, any harm from negative framing will greatly impact the value. 

Because older maps and prints were printed on paper various qualities of paper, they need to be framed with essential materials to maintain their condition.  These include:

1) Proper glazing - When you framing, it is VERY IMPORTANT you instruct the framer to use true 99% UV glass or acrylic.  Even if you don't hang the print or map in direct light, it needs to contain this type of glazing.  Keep in mind, everyday your framed item is displayed, light is constantly in its path.  Over time, this slight fading can increase without you knowing it until it's too late.

2) Archival matting - Do NOT settle for typical or common offered matting, which is NOT truly "acid free" but usually contains certain amounts of wood pulp acids which can permeate throughout the map. Make sure the matboard used on your map or print is acid free, alum free and lignin free.

3) Museum mounting - when the framer mounts your map, make sure the mounting technique or application is 100% reversible.  This means, the hinging should not affect the map with evidence of any mounting, such as toned marks or buckling.  In other words, the map should be removed easily with ease or impact to the item.

4) Do NOT mount the antique map or print directly on foamcore, even acid free foamcore.  Apply a 4 ply barrier between the map and the final backing!  Otherwise, moisture can seep into the map or print and cause damp staining.

5) For the final backing, it is strongly recommended to use 100% museum grade corrugated propylene board.  This material will not out gas like many other forms of backing.  This added layer of protection will protect the aesthetics of appearance of your item.

Over the years, the staff at our studio, Museum Framing, has seen many maps show evidence of mat burns, severe toning or fading due to being framed with minimal grade framing materials.  At this point, it's nearly impossible to restore the map to its original condition; if not, very expensive to do so.

Doing the correct preservation needed framing will protect the appearance and value over time.