FACTS Standards
12th July 2011
Organizational development
Founded in 1994, The Carapace Institute, Inc., dba FACTS, is a (501)(c)(3) nonprofit public benefit corporation, Tax ID 02-0495650. All contributions to FACTS are fully tax-deductible.
FACTS is listed in the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) catalogue of standards-setting organizations. FACTS is standards-setting is recognized by the Professional Picture Framers Association (PPFA).
FACTS develops information and standards that deal with art from conception to conservation. Committees are open to all interested individuals. All standards are based on reliable research. When such research is not available, standards are based on the consensus of a knowledgeable and experienced committee. All standards are voluntary - they have legal implications only when included in a contract or if adopted by the government.
FACTS does not enforce the use of its standards. They are developed as guides to the most current research or consensus opinion, to provide a reliable source of proven information, to correct misinformation, and as a basis for education. FACTS maintains an advisory committee that reviews standards and provides the highest level of current information.
In 2009 FACTS intellectual property rights passed to the Fine Art Trade Guild, including the copyright in these standards.
Index of FACTS standards
Translations provided by a grant from: Frame Tek
FACTS and the Fine Art Trade Guild publish these standards as a public service. Their use is voluntary, and all results obtained by their use must be entirely the responsibility of the user. These standards are subject to revision, change and/or withdrawal at any time.
FRM-396 Determining Frame Allowance
Outlines the importance of having a frame allowance and the various factors to be considered in determining that allowance. Terminology, recommended definitions and mandatory practices are included.
FRM-397 Ordering Frames & Chops
This standard is a companion to Determining Frame Allowance. Its purpose is to establish a common terminology and practice for figuring, measuring, ordering and cutting chops. As a universal standard, it provides accuracy and precise communication, decreasing the chance of error. It also provides detailed descriptions, including diagrams of how to measure, define and order both frames and chops. An inch to millimeter conversion table is included.
FRM-398 General Picture Framer Requirements
This guide outlines the basic knowledge and experience necessary for a general picture framer. It includes minimum standards only, which are intended to act as broad guidelines. It has a dual purpose: to inform framers of the many technical and preservation concerns in the practice of picture framing, and to inform the public as a consumer when working with a picture framer.
FRM-399 Hanging Artwork by Cord or Wire
This guide examines the problems that may occur when hanging framed artwork with a flexible wire or cord hanging system and recommends solutions.
FRM-400 The Golden Mean For Proportional Divisions
This guide provides the information and formula that occurs in nature. When applied to an area, that area can be divided into visually balanced unequal proportions that were visually pleasing to the eye.
FRM-2000 Standard Guide for Maximum Preservation Framing
This standard guide has been developed with the aim of preventing damage and providing maximum preservation when framing art and keepsakes. This document includes standard terminology and definitions, mandatory and recommended procedures and materials, spacing and fitting, hanging and display options, and recommendations for periodic maintenance.
GEN-1997 A System for identifying and locating any area within any given parameters
This document was develop as a universal method of locating a specific area on any flat surface, by dividing that surface into individual areas which may be divided again and again until desired size of the location is established. A method that can be easily and accurately established, located, recorded and communicated.
GEN-1998 Taking, Recording and Communicating Dimensions
The purpose is to establish a universal method for identifying size and the vertical and horizontal orientation of artwork. A method of recording dimensions that clearly indicate the vertical, horizontal and thickness of the item.
GLZ-2000 Glazing of Artworks and Keepsakes
This establishes the minimum standard for the glazing of artworks, keepsakes and the like.
GLZ-2001 Standard for Preservation Glazing Materials
To establish a standard quality guide for those non-visual glazing characteristics not easily recognized by the end user. To establish the minimum percentage for any glazing glass or acrylic to be recognized as having increased UV blocking and or increased anti-reflective qualities.
EXPMMB-2000 Permanence in Paper, Mat and Mounting Boards
This standard guide to permanence in mat and mounting boards identifies the composition and characteristics required for permanence. This Expanded Guide includes Definitions & Terminology.
TEX-1999 Textile Fiber Properties
Comparison of the properties of different natural fibers
