Weddingbee boards

Just a few tips that I've learned over the years:

1. When buying markers/pens to sign things with that you want to keep (whether that be signature mats, pictures, balls, etc) NEVER use Sharpie. Sharpie markers are NOT acid-free and will turn purple over time! Examples of acid-free brands: Pilot, Copic, Prismacolor, etc NOTE: ALWAYS check the label to see if it is acid-free, never assume
2. Along with the acid-free markers, if possible, bring a sample of the paper you are using and ask an employee to help you test the pens/markers to make sure they do not bleed on your paper!
3. When buying a signature mat, make sure it is acid-free or archival quality. You want this to last for the rest of your lives together, correct? Paper (non-acid-free) mats will yellow over time/fade and ruin your picture and signatures.
4. Where ever possible, use UV protected glass on your pieces. For anything like: artwork, signature mats, engagement pictures, wedding portraits, etc. You will have to ask for this, normal picture frames do NOT come with UV protected glass (and most come with paper mats too).
5. When applicable get your pictures/posters drymounted. What this does is permanently adhere your art to a piece of acid-free foamboard. This keeps it from wrinkling/warping over time. Artwork WILL wrinkle unless kept in a humidity-controlled environment. NOTE: you can NOT do this to signed/numbered pieces, it will decrease the value IMMENSELY.
6. When in doubt, ask a custom framing specialist for help with making sure your items are properly protected, they are there to help! Although some places work for commission, they also know how to properly protect your pieces to make them last forever. NOTE: a true museum quality piece as a metal frame, UV protected Museum glass with spacers keeping the glass of the art, and acid-free board behind it. NO mats, NO wooden frame.

I hope this has proved useful to you, if you have any specific questions you can PM me or just ask your friendly local craft store employee :) Enjoy!

Friendly Bump :) I think these things are important! lol

Thanks! Those are some really helpful pointers! I would have never thought about making sure pens/markers are acid free.

@Zinzerena: Certainly, that's why I thought I would share :)

@FloretteLiz: It's one of the more useful things I've learned :)

Ah...just remembered one more thing!

• For portraits: if the photographer uses a spray sealant on the art, it will (95% of the time) be good quality and will not need UV glass on it. Actually, the photographer will probably recommend no glass. The only reason to add glass would be to protect it from dust/objects thrown at it/dampness. In that case, make sure to use spacers between the glass and the art!

@Zinzerena: PMing you :)

Friendly bump for the morning Bees :)

@Jeannine @ Small Chic: Some are acid-free some are not. Like I said, it's always best to check the packaging. When in doubt, don't use it!...As far as the brand Marvy, I've never personally used it, but I haven't heard any complaints either.

That's really useful advice! Thank you!