The Framers Forum

What tapes are people using for hinging artwork? Is there a gummed tape which meets conservation standards that you could recommend?

Thanks!
Calico

Hi Calico,

You need a good quality paper tape made from acid free paper or cotton rag. Don't use cloth or linen tape as they are too strong for artwork on paper. The hinge needs to be the weak point so it will break if the frame should fall off the wall, rather than the artwork being torn.

http://www.framersequipment.co.uk/conservation.htm have a good guide to tapes (Tapes Supplement 2012) which you can download as a pdf from their home page.

From their website CRG is FATG museum standard and LGT is FATG conservation standard.

Remember to tear the tape, and not cut with scissors, to get a feathered edge.

Ready gummed Hayaku tape (Lion) is a reasonable compromise for convenience. If you really want to be cheap, you can fix this to the artwork and use p-90 for the top of the T.

All depends just how much conservation the job demands. Ideally you shouldn't use hinges at all.

Thanks!