Many of the conservation problems encountered in American folk art on paper are due to the poor quality materials used in the original framing and mounting. Wooden backboards and stretchers are a major cause of acidity. This embrittles paper, turns it brown thereby altering tonal relationships, encourages flaking paint and biodeterioration. The traditional practice of allowing glass to rest directly against the work of art contributes to condensation staining and pigment offsetting. Fading of colors is exacerbated by lack of ultraviolet protection. Steps the collector can take are outlined to preserve the object and its intended visual relationship to its frame, by updating the materials used for glazing, rabbet spacers, secondary supports, and backboards. -- AATA