Matting

In addition to the aesthetic purpose of Matboards in custom framing, which is to provide a border around artwork, a look at the practical purposes of matting is important as well.   At the very basic level, Matting is the term used to describe the window cut material placed around an image in a frame.

In the case of picture framing, the Matboard serves as a spacer, allowing the artwork to expand and contract with changes in humitity.  This spacing is what prevents artwork from coming in direct contact with the frame or glass, which thereby reduces the risk of damage to the artwork by condensation.

"Weighting" is a style of matting where the bottom border of the mat is at least a half insh wider than the other three sides.  This style counteracts the natural optical illusion where the eye automatically sees the bottom position as being narrower than the other three sides.  Not weighting a piece can give it an appearance of sinking down in the frame.

"Floating" is another matting style that is often used when it is more attractive to rest a piece of artwork directly on top of a mat rather having it show through a cut window in the mat.  This style is used when there is a need to show off interesting or aged edges of artwork.

Mats with painted lines, referred to as a "washline border" or "watercolor wash borders" look wonderful with watercolors.

The thickness of a mat can affect the perception of the piece.  Deeper mats draw the eye more toward the art within.  Double or triple mat combinations, often in contrasting colors, also create a sense of perception.  Mats used in custom framing are often larger than the norm.  Larger mats tend to give artwork more importance.  When the mat is too small, the picture looks squeezed. 

Matboards

For matboard color, style, consistency, and choice, we have come to rely on acid-free matboards by Peterboro™ and Bainbridge™.  A wide variety of colors to choose from is available in 32" x 40" full sheets or custom cut sizes, and some colors are available in "oversized" 40" x 60" sizes.  In addition to smooth velum finishes, the matboards are fade and bleed resistant, and are designed for a clean consistent bevel when cut.

Selection of mats is unique to the object being framed.  Bright core mats work well with reproductions, portraits and photographs.  Linen mats add texture, suede mats add warmth, leather mats offer richness, and metallic colored mats give a dynamic show.  No matter which color or style mat is chosen, it evident that mats can be the key to enhancing the beauty of framed treasures and should be considered part of the framing solution.

Artwork comes alive with the depth and dimension that matboards can give.  For a unique presentation, consider double or triple mats, mats with multiple openings (collage), or mats with specially designed cut corners.  Matboards come in 4-ply and 8-ply thickness, with 4-ply more commonly used.

Peterboro™ Conservation Matboard colors available are shown below:

We also offer Peterboro™ White Core, Black Core, Museum Core, Designer Fabrics, and Designer Suede Matboards.

Please give us a call for more information if those are what you are looking for!

Available Bainbridge™ matboard colors are shown below: