Avoiding deterioration by eliminating its cause is more effective and less expensive in the long run than repair. Resources for taking care of your artwork or collectable may be found at the following websites:

American Institute for Conservation ● aic.stanford.edu/
Canadian Conservation Institute ● www.cci-icc.gc.ca/main_e.aspx
The Getty ● www.getty.edu/conservation/research_resources/othersites.html
Northeast Document Conservation Center ● www.nedcc.org/home.php

Matting and Hinging
Backing and window mats should be 4-ply rag board only. The most acceptable hinging material is mulberry or other “rice” paper adhered with wheat starch or rice starch paste. If an over or “window” mat is used, it should also be cut from acid-free rag board. Preferable to hinging are corners made from acid-free paper and taped to the backing mat with an archival tape such as Filmoplast-P. Corners are preferred because they are not adhered to the art itself and the artwork is easily removable. Also commercially available are clear archival plastic corners, pre-gummed for adhesion to the back board.

Framing
Frames may be either wood or metal, but for long-term framing, metal is preferred.  Preferred glazing is ultra-violet filtering Plexiglas©, although glass may be used. In the case of pastels, Plexiglas© should not be used due to potential lifting of pigment through static. There should be enough space between the glass and backing so that the art work does not touch the glass. Backing should be sealed around the edges to prevent accumulation of dust which attracts paper-eating insects.