Protect

Protection for your pictures from damage by harmful pollutants
(Oxidationstest: ANSI IT 9.15 1992)

Artcare mats are the only verified age resistant mats, that will protect photos and works of art from harmful substances in the air. Air pollution, and acids in conventional wood pulp boards cause bleaching and ageing.
 

Only Artcare mats and mounts offer enduring protection

Inferior mounting and framing materials are responsible for more damage to pictures than previously thought. Pictures such as photos, drawings and watercolours can be damaged irreparably by direct contact with unsuitable framing materials. Unprofessional restoration, poor technique and materials, incorrect storage and display can lead to permanent damage.
Frames are Dangerous!

A picture frame is not a vacuum, it is a microclimate that is susceptible to damage from airborne pollutants which can damage the picture. The small amount of alkaline buffers present in conventional mats and mounts are unable to adsorb these pollutants. The commonly used buffer calcium carbonate ensures the mat or mount has a neutral pH but this does not protect the picture. The specially designed synthetic Zeolites used in Artcare mounts and mats continue to adsorb and protect the art from airborne damage. Zeolite - taught by nature! What is a Zeolite? Zeolite is a natural mineral discovered 250 years ago. Zeolites have a crystal structure with a very large surface area. This gives them a nearly endlessly capacity to keep adsorb harmful substances. Nielsen uses a special synthetic Zeolite in Artcare boards and mounts, which adsorbs pollutants in the microclimate of the framed picture. Today, Zeolites are often used for water filtration, in detergents and for air filter systems.
MicroChamber technology - what is it?

The introduction of Zeolites is described scientifically as MicroChamber technology. The using of this technology in conjunction with paper production is a revolution of technical progress for picture framing and archiving. For the first time, mats and mounting boards are not only acid-free and ageing resistant by itself, but also, most importantly they adsorb the most common harmful pollutants the ambient air.
Graphic impression
of a Zeolite.
Source: C. Baerlocher/
laboratory for
crystallography ETHZ