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Glazing can be either glass or acrylic. Only glass should be used with any friable media such as unfixed pastels, charcoals, or graphite, never acrylic as it can damage the work by attracting these materials. There are many brands of acrylic glazing to choose from; one with an ultraviolet filter is recommended. The frame and the mat should be deep enough to prevent the artwork from touching the glazing. A stiff backboard behind the mat protects and supports the matted artwork. It is best to use non-acidic boards. A dust seal with paper or tape is also recommended. What damage results from using poor quality mat board? Avoid mat boards containing wood pulp which causes "matburn"--a darkening of the paper under the mat or at the bevel cut of the window mat. This type of stain permanently weakens the paper fibers and is not easily removed or lightened in conservation treatment.

How can I protect my works on paper from light damage? Even though your artwork may be framed under UV filtering acrylic sheeting, the intensity of the light and duration of exposure is a concern. Try to avoid direct and excessive daylight. Close window curtains or drape the artwork when possible. Windows can also be covered with a film or a screen that will lower light intensity and ultraviolet rays. If possible take down the artwork periodically and exchange it with another piece, allowing the work to "rest" in storage. The most light-sensitive materials include watercolors and gouache, modern color inks, pastels, newsprint and all color papers. It is important to remember that light damage is cumulative and irreversible.. My solid wood sculpture is cracking in the vertical direction. What can I do?Q. I have an outdoor bronze sculpture. How should I take care of it?

Bronze is an alloy of copper with other metals that modify its hardness, color, and ability to be cast into a detailed mold. When bronze is cast it is usually a gold color. After the casting and finishing is completed, the surface is often treated with chemicals and heat which patinates the metal, coloring it green, brown, black, or a combination of the colors. Foundries usually apply waxes or other coatings to the surface of a patinated outdoor bronze to protect it from pollutants. This wax may wear off in time. We recommend annual maintenance by a professional conservator. The surface of the sculpture may be washed to remove pollutants and dirt, and waxed. If done annually, the rate of corrosion will be retarded (though not totally eliminated), and disfiguring rain streaks will be minimized. I collect twentieth-century furniture. How can I best preserve it? Some twentieth-century furniture was created from non-traditional materials, such as foam, plastic, and cardboard.