(PPFA CLASS II)
Peterboro Conservation is our flagship matboard line, combining conservation-grade purity, structural stability, and cost efficiency. It is engineered to exceed rigorous industry standards for archival framing, making it one of the most reliable options for galleries and custom picture framers worldwide.
KEY FACTS
1. Core Composition
- 90%+ virgin alpha cellulose (exceeding industry minimum of 84%)
- Highly stable, chemically inert for superior purity
- Crisp, clean bevels for a professional finish
2. Chemical Purity and Buffering
- Strictly controlled for iron, copper, and sulfur impurities
- Buffered with 3% minimum calcium carbonate reserve for acid protection
3. Surface Papers
- Lightfast, non-bleeding pigments meet/exceed ISO 105-B02 permanence standards
- Fade-resistant under accelerated aging tests
4. Backing Paper
- 100% virgin cellulose fibre
- Buffered with calcium carbonate (3% minimum)
- Free from optical brightening agents (OBAs)
- Uniform finish for high-end conservation use
5. Quality Assurance
- Independent lab testing + in-house QC protocols
- Consistent, defect-free boards across production batches
What does this testing and analysis mean to the framer?
HIGH-ALPHA PULP
Bleached wood pulp that has an Alpha Cellulose content not less than 84% (Source: Pulp and Paper Services)
90.5%
LIGNIN
Kappa number of 5 or less
< 1
METALLIC CONTENT
Iron not to exceed 150ppm
Copper not to exceed 6ppm
1.26ppm
0.19ppm
pH
Alkaline filler, calcium carbonate buffered. Usually in the range 8.5
8.70
The Alkaline reserve should be about 2% and the maximum 5% by weight. As carbonate filler may be source of Impurities, excess is not desirable.
3.5%
SIZING
Rosin-alum sizing shall not be used
Negative
THE CONCLUSION
Peterboro conservation is a conservation mat that delivers some of the highest quality standards in the market.
At Peterboro Matboards, we are committed to excellence, with every product in our line meeting or exceeding the standards established by the Professional Picture Framers Association (PPFA) for its respective category. The PPFA Comparative Matboard Standards set the industry’s most rigorous benchmarks for matboard quality and preservation, ensuring that materials meet strict criteria for protection and longevity.