The NEDCC PreservationSurvey provides best practices for specific media including storage of
collection materials. Their section on oversized/framed materials is
comprehensive – and they suggest that prints, drawings or other object backed
with acidic materials be removed from their mounts (also, it is easier to store
them post-frame). But we know how this plays out – we don’t want to throw out
the frames. We lean them against furniture. We make piles. This DIY project I
did with a frame which was destined for the same fate; I thought it was an
ideal surface to convert into a usable chalkboard.
1. Take a scratched,
discarded frame (or any frame – this is just the one I’ve had leaning against
my desk at work forever).
2. Cover the edges with
painter’s tape.
3. Find a suitable
location for painting – outside is best. Apply a thin coat of chalkboard paint;
I used Rust-oleum (note: apparently you can chose different colors of tint! I
just used basic black).
4. Let it dry outside
(this is a good spot to link to the NEDCC Protecting Collections page – during
renovations/sprucing up paintings and coatings should be allowed to dry
sufficiently before collections/people return).
5. Repeat with another
frame or use; I came up with two places this could be utilized – first, most
appropriately was on top of a flat file indicated that the space needs to be
kept clear (map and flat file storage should ideally be kept clear of
collections material, piles, etc.). It also made a great backdrop/identifier
for preservation materials, housing supplies, or perhaps keeping a ‘wish list’
of items you need.
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