Hi, all:
I have dome a number of paintings on gessoed ragg paper. Is there a way to frame these without using glass or plexiglass ? My understanding is that since paper is more fragile than canvas, you need to put them under glass even with archival quality foamcore backing the paper up.

Any thoughts ??
Thank you.

I do not think it would need glass at all.

ilia

Once an oil painting has dried its surface is a tough durable film, unlike the fragile surface of pastels. I recommend applying a coat of re-touch varnish after the surface has dried. After six months applying a final varnish will protect the painting from air-bourne contaminants.

The method I use for framing oil paintings done on paper is to mount the paper to a panel, oak plywood or masonite, using an archival spray adhesive or rubber cement, before inserting it into the frame.

I hope this helps.

Putting the work under glass is a good idea where the paper is concerned, but I don't believe it is the best idea where the oil color is concerned. An oil painting technically continues to 'dry' over many YEARS. This process for an oil painting done in impasto style (very thick) could last a couple HUNDRED YEARS! It is very important that the work 'breath'. I believe the previous suggestion to varnish it & then mount it to board using archival adhesive is your best route. Then frame. No glass. Good luck.