A. Lignin is the natural bonding element which holds wood fibers together. Newsprint contains lignin—you’ll notice how brittle and yellowed a newspaper becomes after just a few days.
 

Q. What is Lignin-free?

A. Lignin-Free - refers to paper made with less than 1% lignin, which is most accurately called low-lignin. Papers having a high-lignin content (including papers made using a mechanical pulping process) should not be used for archival applications. Lignin an organic substance that, with cellulose, forms the chief part of woody tissue -- it is the bonding element which holds wood fibers together. Its presence causes paper to change color and become brittle. Paper can be made lignin-free by its removal during the papermaking process which makes paper archival safe.
 

Q. What is Acid-free?

A. Acid-Free - the acidity occurring in most papers causes a slow deterioration of both the paper itself, and often, the images (such as photos or lithographs) mounted or printed upon them. This aging process is slowed significantly when special precautions are taken during the manufacturing process. Theoretically, in the manufacturing process of "acid-free paper," volatile acids are neutralized in the pulp, bringing the finished product to a pH level of "7", considered "neutral". After the papermaking process, acid may re-enter the paper often as a result of environmental exposure to a harmful substance such as sulfur dioxide often found in the atmosphere. If the paper is to remain acid-free, it is often necessary to add a buffer, or reserve, of an alkaline substance to the paper during the manufacturing process for the purpose of counteracting any acid which may be introduced into it in the future.

Acid-free paper is commonly used by framers, artists, printers, and publishers who wish to extend the life of materials used for fine art, limited-edition printing, and permanent records where contact with the print or document could be harmful. Consideration of a paper's acidity is an important factor when doing archival work. When controlled from the beginning, working with acid-free paper helps preserve the product, and it's value, considerably.

Q. How much does picture framing cost?

A. Prices vary with size, framing procedures used, and design elements chosen for your particular art piece. We will recommend appropriate procedures explaining their benefit as well as offer design options to enhance your artwork. All design and price quotes are free of charge.

Q. How long does framing take?

A. Most framing requires one to two weeks depending on materials needed. If you need framing finished sooner than this, please let us know and we will try to accommodate it.

Q. How do I make sure that I get proper custom framing done?

A. There are lots of custom framers out there, but to make sure that custom framing gets done and gets done properly, then you can give your local PPFA member framer a visit since they have the knowledge and experience to do it right.

Q. Just wondering what the process is for ordering wedding signature frames?

A. A wedding signature frame's price would vary depending on the size of the final frame, number of photos, matting style and the type of moulding used. I will let you select the moulding, color of the mat board, usually wedding signature frame's mats are varying shades of white.