Fabric Archival Quality Comparison

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artisanjoe

Grumbler in Training
Joined
Oct 5, 2004
Posts
2
Loc
Maryland
I'm looking for some sort of comparison chart that shows the pH/archival properties (or lack of) of the different types of fabrics used in framing. I'm trying to put together a small memo to our galleries to show them why it's better to use neutral cottons/linens than silks.

Thanks!
 
Artisanjoe:

It's funny you should ask, this is something that the FACTS Textile Committee has started working on for our industry. In the meantime you might want to check with Frank Chavez at Frank's Fabrics, he has a small group of fabrics for the framing industry that are designated as ph neutral fabrics. Raphael's may also, but I'm not as familiar with their line as I am Frank's.

Keep asking those questions!
Roxanne
Langley House Gallery

*Proud member of PPFA, FACTS and FramerSelect*
 
Well, I tried e-mailing Frank @ franksfabrics, and he replied, "...that fabrics run the gamut from acidic to alkaline, with no rhyme or reason. Some cottons, for example, are in the neutral range while others are at one end or the other of the scale."
Since we are in Maryland, I'm going to try and see if Falcon East can at least let me know which of theirs are pH nuetral, since they hav the same fabrics as Franks. It would just be nice to be able to show a comparison to our galleries, since we handle quite a bit "high-end" artwork.

Thanks for the welcome!
 
Cotton is cellulose and as such should be about pH7. However, the pH can be affected by sizes, dyes etc. That's one reason all fabrics in the framing package should be washed and well rinsed.

Silk wouldn't be all that much different though it's on the acid side of neutral, but again, finishes can change the chemistry.

I think it is more the textile finishes than the actual fiber that would be of concern here. There is probably some sort of academic text on the subject (and I'm sure it's a big one). Try contacting Textile Science Dept's at local university or college. Home Ec Dept might be able to point you in the right direction too.

http://www.polysurfacesbookstore.com/pages/3133.html

This is an example of the kind of text that might have some of the information in it. Kind of intimidating!

It might be easier to post your question on the textile conservation distribution list, and a group of experts can help you narrow down your question. Something like "What types of finishes are likely to cause problems in a sealed or semi sealed framing system, and how do we avoid those problems?" Just explain who you are, and why you're asking - they're a very nice group.

http://palimpsest.stanford.edu/byform/mailing-lists/texcons/

Scroll down to find out how to participate.

Rebecca
 
The textile committee of FACTS, chaired by Ellen Collins, will set a standard for fabric, such as PH neutral, non damaging next to the art, non bleed, non fade, etc. probably not much different than for mat board, then the manufacturers will be able to tell the framer which of their products meet the standard for preservation framing. As Frank and Rebecca said, there are so many variables with dyes, sizes plus fibers, that it will be awhile, but I think in the not too distant future, we as framers will be able to find out which fabrics can be used next to the art in a preservation housing.

Bainbridge uses a linen from Europe that is made especially for their fabric covered AlphaLinen boards which meets all FACTS PMMB-2000 standards for preservation framing as does the adhesive and the mount board plus it has Artcare, or zeolites. Their Denims also are preservation grade. I know Frank at Frank’s Fabric has also tested some of his fabrics and I believe Raphael’s is doing some of theirs.

When hand-wrapping fabric mats a framer needs to be aware of the fabric but also the adhesive and mountboard used.
 
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