UNDER CONSTRUCTION Outdoor Images

Understanding Museum Quality

Museum Quality refers to the archival nature of the photograph and its framing.  These Fine Art pictures are printed on Special Archival Papers using special methods to ensure the longest available life of the photograph.  Also, we use Special Framing Materials to further enhance the life of the photograph.  Using these two methods together, some of our prints are estimated to last up to 175 years!  This testing was done by Wilhelm Research, a private research company.

Archival Paper

Special Archival Papers are used to create our Fine Art including a Luster Paper, a Velvet Paper and an UltraSmooth paper. Each has slightly different properties and advantages and a different archival life ranging from estimated lives of 75 years under glass to 175 years under a UV blocking material.

The Luster paper is the only resin coated (RC) paper we use. It has the shortest archival life of 75 years under glass and 100 years under UV blocking material. Luster paper shows the finest level of detail in an image and the widest range of tones. The paper surface has a luster finish similar to a portrait studio. This paper has the shortest archival life.

Velvet paper is a 100% cotton rag paper with an acid free base preserving the Fine Art. This paper has the hightest D-Max rating providing the most detail in the high light areas of the images. The paper also has a slight texture to the surface providing a Fine Art feel. The paper is estimated to last 61 years under glass and 125 years under UV blocking materials.

UltraSmooth paper is a 100% cotton hot press paper that is not only acid free but also pH buffered to preserve Fine Art for the longest period. The hot press surface gives it the highest level of detail in the image of any of the cotton papers. The surface is extremely smooth prints are estimated to last 108 years under glass and 175 years under UV protected material.

Archival Framing

Special Framing Materials are also used to create your Fine Art. Other cheaper framing methods could be used, but we strive for Museum Quality and long lasting Archival Fine Art. Our research has shown that using this framing method can add about 60% more to the life of a photograph. All of our frames are black and all of our mat boards are white.

After assembling the frame, a special plate of light weight and shatter resistant Acrylite OP3 is placed into the frame. This filters out 98% of harmful UV rays which can fade your photographs over time allowing our Fine Art to last longer than photographs framed with glass. Acrylite also ships much better than glass and is less fragile.

Next, your Fine Art photograph is sandwiched into a bright white hinged mat made with 100% cotton museum board. Archival clear photo corners are used to hold your Fine Art keeping it in its original mint condition.

After placing your Fine Art into the frame behind the Acrylite, an Artcare Foamboard is placed into the frame protecting the back. The MicroChamber technology contained in the Foamboard protects your artwork from harmful effects of foan outgassing into the frame.

Finally, clips and a wire hanger are attached. Your Fine Art is ready to be proudly displayed!