Art Framing Cost Calculator

Museum glass (like Tru Vue Museum Glass) blocks 99% of UV rays and has virtually invisible anti-reflective coating. It costs 4-8x more than regular glass but is essential for valuable works on paper, photographs, and prints that are susceptible to light damage. For works valued over $5,000, museum glass is a worthwhile investment to protect your artwork long-term.

Conservation framing uses archival-quality, acid-free materials throughout to prevent damage to the artwork. This includes acid-free mat board, UV-protective glazing, archival mounting techniques (no dry mounting or permanent adhesives), and proper spacing between the art and glazing. All materials should be reversible, meaning the framing can be removed without damaging the artwork.

Traditionally, oil paintings are not glazed because the oil medium itself provides protection, and glass can trap moisture. However, some conservators now recommend glazing valuable oils with UV-protective glass, leaving a spacer between the paint surface and glass. This is especially recommended for paintings in high-traffic areas or those exposed to cooking fumes or cigarette smoke.

A common guideline is to spend 10-25% of the artwork's value on framing. For a $2,000 print, budget $200-500 for quality framing. For museum-level works, framing can cost thousands but represents a tiny percentage of the art's value. Never use cheap framing on valuable art, as improper framing can cause irreversible damage that far exceeds the framing cost.