Digital BW, The Print

Some links:
http://www.artfacts.org/
http://www.wilhelm-research.com/
http://www.framedestination.com/picture_frame_mounting.html

There are different levels of archival and archival mounting is 
actually easier and less expensive then most other methods. 
Unfortunately, the material cost is higher.  If you are framing you 
own persona inkjet print for you house, then of course you have no 
need for anything archival. If you are selling limited edition framed 
prints for over $1000 then the framing should meet most of the 
archival standards.  When I say most, I mean that dry mounting would 
be considered acceptable as long as it is to an acid free substrate. 

The highest level of conservation archival framing's goal is to last 
forever. In that case, dry mounting is avoided because the substrate 
will become contaminated over time and if the print is not dry 
mounted then it can be replaced. 

All of the framing materials and print expand and contract at 
different rates over time. That is why in archival framing everything 
is left fairly loose. 

Foamcore can outgass although acid free foamcore is pretty safe, and 
Bainbridge Artcare foamcore is even safer. 

Wood frame moulding is not acid free and is therefore not archival. 
You can use frame sealing tape to help prevent acid from leaking into 
the print from the frame. Use of an acid free buffered mat will also 
help protect the print from the frame. 

Light and atmospheric pollutants also degrade prints. That is why UV 
glass or acrylic is so helpful in archival framing. A museum will 
also limit how much the artwork is actually exposed to any light at 
all and they will periodically reframe the artwork so that all of the 
components can be replaced.

Cheers,
Mark
President
Frame Destination, Inc.
http://www.framedestination.com/