Many environmental factors work to degrade the appearance and durability of art work, among them light, humidity and pollutants in the air. Within the artwork, natural components of most papers and wood (acid and lignin) result in color fading, yellowing of paper and staining.

Archival Framing (also known as Preservation, Conservation & Museum Framing) works to prevent and counteract these effects. Archival Framing uses materials and techniques which protect the artwork and preserve its original beauty. While Archival Framing typically adds 25% - 35% to the framing cost, it is recommended for any piece which you value.

LawGallery employs the most stringent and current preservation techniques and materials, used by professional framers specially trained in true Archival Framing. This involves much more than simply using 'acid-free' papers. Standard framing practices of LawGallery include the exclusive use of:

Inks
LawGallery images are printed using only museum-grade inks with an estimated fade-free life of 75-100 years, depending on degree of exposure to light.

Papers
All print papers used by LawGallery are 100% acid and lignin free.

Mats
LawGallery uses only Bainbridge Alpharag Artcare mats, used by museums worldwide. These mats represent the next generation of Archival Framing - while other archival mats passively protect the art (do not harm), Bainbridge Alpharag mats actively protect by trapping and neutralizing pollutants and acid by-products which cause damage. This patented technology is engineered into the very fibers of these mats, providing a level of protection not available with 'acid-free' mats.

Mounting
All prints are archivally mounted using removable, acid and lignin-free mounting papers, on acid and lignin-free backing material.

Frames
All wood frames are lined with acid-free liners to separate the wood from the print. The framed piece is then sealed and finished with a conservation-grade dust cover, to further protect the print from environmental pollutants.

Glazing
When not protected from ordinary, daily light, ultraviolet rays fade and deteriorate all types of artwork. Even diffuse light causes damage. LawGallery's standard framing package employs UV Glass glazing, which blocks 97% of the most damaging ultraviolet rays. Also recommended and offered by LawGallery is Framing-Rated Plexiglass, which offers some protection from harmful light rays, as well as UV Plexiglass.