How To >> Browse Articles >> ArtSmart Articles
ARTSMART – Backing Boards
Featured Author:
Nancy Rattenbury
Nancy M. Rattenbury has been involved in the art industry for many years and currently holds the position of Registrar at the Queens Museum of Art. She earned an MS in Historic Preservation with a concentration on architectural materials at Columbia University in 1994. In addition to freelance projects, she contracted collection care positions at the following institutions: The Flagler Museum, Henry Ford Museum, Edsel and Eleanor Ford House Museum, Cincinnati Art Museum, Fonthill Museum and Detroit Historical Museum. Her diversity of art conservation opportunities and collection care positions has solidified her background in art, preservation and museum projects.
More articles from this author:
Nancy Rattenbury
ARTSMART – Simple Tips to Keep Your Art Safe
Backing Boards
As a professional working in the collection care field, it still surprises me when paintings arrive for exhibitions without backing boards, especially after reviewing the insurance values. The most important advantage you could give your canvas painting is a protective backing. It is a simple measure that helps safeguard against accidental damages such as rips or impacts; especially during moments of handling and transport.
A backing board lends structural support with climate control. The added rigidity helps prevent rapid fluctuations of the stretcher and canvas due to temperature and humidity changes. This precaution also acts as a barrier to keep dust and debris from collecting on the verso as well as between the stretcher members. But most of all, it is a canceled ‘future’ appointment for repair.
While the odds of damage may seem unlikely upon first glance when you contemplate attaching a protective backing board, it is that one second that can make a significant difference for your wallet and mental sanity. Installation is simple and relatively affordable, especially in hindsight of the repair costs. You can choose among several materials that can perform the function of a backing board – cardboard, mat board, or foam core, but I prefer ¼” coraplast (fluted polyethylene). You will attach it to the backside of the stretcher or strainer (not to the painting’s frame).
- Are you confused with a material Post your materials question here.
- Are you looking for an art school? Check out your options.
- Do you need a scholarship? Click here
I would strongly suggest that you have a professional install a backing board when paintings have heavy impasto or other dimensional materials attached to the front; as damage can occur if the surface variations are not adequately supported during the installation process. Large paintings also entail special handling to avoid unnecessary structural tension/torque. Professionals can easily navigate these particular requirements in a conservation or framing studio. Don’t risk a painting’s integrity by not having the appropriate space, professional support or materials to adequately install the backing board. Proper handling and care will ensure continued longevity of the art and materials. You can have installation questions answered by any reputable framer or conservator.
Whether your painting is sentimental or a million-dollar investment, a backing board is fundamental to the long-term preservation and care. Prevention is key to avoiding those ‘oops’ moments. Unlike fashion of the 1980’s, accidental tears and rips have yet to be viewed as ‘cool’ in the art/preservation industry.
I will post a ‘do-it-yourself” guideline in the next article for paintings that do not require specialized handling due to materials or size requirements.
Resources for additional information on the subject: Caring for cultural materials Caring for your treasures Preserving my heritage
