Mounting Important and Fragile Paper Documents for Framing

Over and over again, when people bring me items that were previously framed elsewhere, they start getting concerned about it. They are worried if it was properly mounted and hinged within the frame.

In one specific case, one customer and her son brought a large diploma from VMI because the document showed some wrinkling and adverse cockling.  They mentioned it was getting worse over time.

My framer and I took apart the frame to inspect the condition.  When disassembling a frame, we are always careful in handling it not knowing how it was assembled.  If not, the contents can rip or tear.

As we thought, the document was drymounted onto the foamcore.  Any paper, vellum or any other type of document should never be drymounted.  And, this is the reason why.  Now, in order to remove it, we sent it to a qualified paper conservator.

With any type of document/certificate, either use mylar corners, polyester strips or encapsulation in Mylar D material.  Never use harsh substances like wet or drymounting, glue, tape, etc.

The key here is "reversibility".  Can the item be easily removed from the mounting without harm to the artifiact?  If not, then its not considered reversible.

You may ask why remove it one you frame it?  If you decide to remove it for copies, sell it (if a collectible), reframe it or to change something.  Plus, if it's not reversible, any harmful substances can leave marks which can spread over time.

The documents I am showing here were encapsulated in Mylar D for clarity and safe mounting.  The document is protected for many years.