Glazing and Displaying Your Photos
This issue is dedicated to understanding how best to glaze and display your photos. First, we have an interview with Dr. Peter Adelstein on the advantages and disadvantages of display. This is followed by recommendations on how to select preservation-quality glazing (the clear plastic or glass that protects the photo in a frame). IPI also has a new consumer guide on materials for preservation framing that can be downloaded for free in PDF format.
Q & A with Dr. Adelstein
 Is it harmful to display my photos?
Question (Q): I take many family photos, and I want to frame some and hang them on the wall. Will this harm them?
Answer (A): You raised a critical question. The reason photos are taken is for viewing and enjoyment. However, photos are never as long-lasting when displayed as when they are stored in the dark, such as in albums, and viewed only occasionally.
Q: Why do color pictures deteriorate when displayed?
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Most ready made frames for photographs and other artwork have glazing (the glass or clear plastic that covers the photos) that does nothing special to restrict the damaging UV radiation in light that can harm photo over time. Professional frame shops often offer different types of glass that can improve the look and long-term care of your precious art and photos.
One of the most important qualities to look for in glazing is UV blocking. The International Organization for Standardization recommends glazing that blocks at least 97% of UV energy in the 300 nanometer to 380 nanometer range. Look for glazing that makes this claim.
Other qualities to look for are anti-reflection coatings, color-neutral or color-enhancing coatings, and scratch resistance. Anti-reflection coatings disperse light that strikes the glass so that it doesn’t reflect back directly. This reduces the appearance of the light sources –such as lamps or windows– in the glazing. Some glazing manufacturers also add colorants to their coatings to make the glazing more neutral. Typical glass is greenish in hue and can alter the perception of the artwork’s intended color. And finally some glazing is treated to resist scratching. This is really important with plastic glazing as it is more sensitive to scratch when handling.
If you want the best appearance and protection for your artwork and photos in frames, take the time to understand the different terms used for frame glazing and seek help from a professional framer.
UV Blocking Glazing
Glass or plastic can be coated with special substances that absorb the UV energy in light to prevent it from reaching the artwork underneath. However, all UV blocking coatings are not equal. Some block very little, and some of only certain wavelengths. The International Organization for Standardization recommends that UV blocking coatings absorb at least 97% of the UV energy from 300 to 380 nanometers.
Recommended Link
Corning Museum of Glass
 Located in the heart of the Finger Lakes region of New York State, the Corning Museum of Glass is the world's largest glass museum, featuring 35 centuries of glass artistry, live glassblowing demonstrations, Make Your Own Glass experiences for all ages and an international GlassMarket. It is also home to the Rakow Research Library, which is the library of record on glass and glassmaking, and The Studio, a highly respected glassmaking school.
http://www.cmog.org/
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