How To Frame Sports Memorabilia

By Dee Dee Smith

Storing and displaying your collectible photographs and jerseys is as important to their preservation as it is to the attractiveness of their display.  Collectible photographs that are not properly protected can yellow or discolor, collect dust, scratch and even mold.  Damage to your collectible can hugely affect its value, and severe damage could cause your item to become worthless.  You've invested money and time in building your collection, so don't you think it's worthwhile to insure that it's properly protected?   

One way to display your autographed photographs and jerseys is in archival safe storage boxes. This will insure that your collectibles are protected, but will not allow you to show them off.  Part of the joy in owning your collection is having the opportunity to share it with others.  Thus, the best solution is to properly store and protect your autographed photo or jersey in a display frame where it can be both preserved and admired. 

So many stores advertise products for matting and framing your photos and art pieces.  Sure, this works for family photos and non-collectible artwork, but you don't want to attempt to try and frame your valuable collectibles.  Improper framing can be worse than no framing at all.  Because photographs are made from paper, improper mounting and framing can result in stains, spotting, folding or bending.  Autographed photos need to be carefully and gently handled because it can be so easily damaged.  A simple rip or fingerprint can quickly decrease the value of an otherwise quality piece.  Special mounting and framing materials need to be used in order to preserve both the autograph and the image.  Amateur or inexperienced framers might use elements such as glue, spray adhesive or tape to affix or mount the picture.  These items if used can eventually stain the paper and will make it impossible to re-matt or make changes to your framing in the future.  Amateur framers may also use a matting paper with a high acid content, which can also lead to further deterioration.   

As with poor mounting and matting paper issues, choosing the right frame for your collectible is also of ultimate importance.  Frames that require you to “slide the photo” in place cannot be used with autographed photos as there is a chance that the photo might be scratched, ripped or damaged while sliding it into place  Quality archival frames give the framer full access to both the glass and backing making it much easier and safer to place the photo.  In choosing an archival appropriate frame, one will need to choose an acrylic or glass that protects against ultra-violet rays while allowing for full viewing.  As with the matting paper, the backing of archival frames must also be acid-free.

Many of the same issues that apply to framing a photograph also apply when it comes to framing jerseys.  However, there are some unique problems and concerns to be considered in jersey framing.  First, jerseys need to be safely and properly mounted for display During this process, it is quite easy to damage the fabric.  Pulls, rips and stretches can easily occur, causing irreparable damage.  Additionally, a jersey that is not well secured or mounted might have more damage if the pins or other mounting materials continue to pull on the fabric or material.  The glass or acrylic on a jersey frame should also protect against UV rays as fabric can be prone to yellowing or discoloration. 

All things considered, it is imperative that you hire the right framer for all of your collectibles. This should be a professional who has experience working with collectibles and preservation (archival) framing.  Further, the framer should be knowledgeable of, and have worked with autographs as well as photography (or collectible jerseys where applicable). 

When you purchase an autographed photograph such as these of LeBron James from SportsMemorabilia.com, it will either come framed, or you’ll be given the option of having your collectible professionally framed.  Further, you’ll be able to choose from a selection of quality frames as well as complimentary matting.  Special frames are also available for collectible jerseys.  An autographed Plaxico Burress jersey, for example, can be framed in either a standard or an elite design style.   It is very wise to have your collectible preserved and framed before even having it delivered to your home or office.  Having this done will remove any possible chance of the item becoming damaged prior to framing.  If you already own a collectible that needs framing, SportsMemorabilia.com is a very safe bet for insuring the proper framing and preservation of your collectible piece.

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