In a message dated 1/21/2004 9:31:41 PM Eastern Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

<< Will it damage a photo or document to frame it directly against the
 glass without a mat? >>

The answer is not that it "will" but that it could.  Especially with silver
gelatin or color prints, it's usually a good idea to use a mat to separate the
photograph from the glass.  Humidity can cause it to stick to the glass; if
you can release it, you may be left with an uneven glossy "ferrotyped" effect on
the print surface.  I have a personal color photograph which someone framed
without a mat, and it's very firmly stuck to the glass, which subsequently
broke.  The print is definitely damaged, and it's a mess.  Matting is not as
important with other kinds of paper documents, but using a mat as a spacer or
separator is the standard method.  Better safe than sorry.  Having said that, do I
mat all my personal photographs?  No, not if I know the negatives are
available.  But in my museum every photograph framed under glass gets a mat.

David Haberstich

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