Framing Terminology
- Barrier Layer
- (or Barrier Board) an undermount or additional layer between the artpiece and the frame back. Often specialised (eg Colourmount brand) conservation barrier board in conjunction with an undermount. Used when re-glazing or repairing old frames in which the original backing is being retained to keep the piece as original as possible, but where the original backing material may be considered detrimental to the the conservation integrity by current/latest standards.
- Bevel
- Angled or rounded edge of the aperture in a Mount.
- Bitumin Glaze
- A traditional glaze made by thinning Bitumin paint with White Spirit or Turpentine. The glaze is commonly used tint gold or metal leaf of foil finished mouldings to give an attractive brown tone. Generally it is normal to coat the finished result with an appropiate surface sealing medium.
- Block Mount
- Piece of wood, chipboard or similar material onto which a picture is mounted.
- Blue Wool Scale
- A method of quantifying lightfastness of colours. Blue Wool scale 6 is fade resistant.
- Bole
- Fine clay mixed with animal glue, usually red yellow black or grey. Used mostly on high quality frames. Used as a step in Gilding.
- Bronze Powder
- A fine metallic powder that has been mixed with a binder and this creates a gold paint that was often used on mass produced old frames, usually turns a dark brown colour with age due to oxidisation.
- Bumper
- Bumpers are used to keep the frame slightly away from a wall, allowing fresh air to circulate. Fixed to the bottom corners of the frame rim. Usually self adhesive. Can be made of cork, plastic or foam.
- Burnish
- To rub a surface with a smooth, hard material to produce a lustrous finish.
