Introduction: The Role of Mat Boards in Picture Framing
MAT Board A MAT board is a necessary part of picture framing. They offer both reinforcement, ornamentation and protective elements for the artworks and photos. These wonderful gadgets protect the piece by providing a barrier between the glass or acrylic and the artwork. While the glass or acrylic can be spittooned and wiped clean, in order to do so, it has to be removed, at least temporarily, from the surface of what is likely a fragile, valuable, work of art. It is for this reason that mat boards are essential tools in maintaining the original quality and condition of your framed pieces.
We offer a second solution to the problem, that is, mat boards, which not only enhance the appearance of framed products, but also protect them against environmental damage. Providing a decorative border around photographs and art prints, they draw your eye towards the centrepiece and give the frame an overall professional look and feel to it, whilst breaking up an otherwise continuous frame space. Whether you're looking for a personal touch in a professional setting or simply want a way to show off some of your favourite mementos, mat boards play a significant part in the framing of your pictures to give them that extra bit of sophistication while protecting them from damage.
Standard Mat Boards for Everyday Framing Projects
Material Composition & Durability
Most standard-grade matboards are made from wood pulp or paper products and are reasonably durable for framing needs. These products are generally tough enough to survive most environmental exposure, but will not offer the level of protection available with special boards fabricated from acid-free products (cotton and cellulose products). Regular paper and cardboard and so on would turn yellow over time and that would eat into your art. Instead, it is recommended that you choose boards made from a PH-neutral material or natural material that will guarantee a long lasting and preserved board.
Common Uses & Color Options
Classic mat boards make an excellent choice for a variety of framing projects, including photos, prints and memorabilia. They have a wide variety of applications for residential and commercial use because of their versatile design. Because of how these boards can be customized to match an artist’s art or any room’s interior design, there is a wide selection of colors and finishes to choose from. From single color to weaving patterns they have so many options for the title of the framing lovers to make their things on a displayed wall to be as adorable and well-matched in the wall theme as possible for the satisfaction of the owner.
Acid-Free Cotton and Alpha Cellulose Mats
Cotton Rag vs. Alpha Cellulose
When choosing mats for art conservation, knowing the difference between cotton rag mats and alpha cellulose mats is important. Cotton rag mats are made from 100% cotton for the highest possible quality and longevity. They will usually last longer then alpha cellulose mats which are which are produced from wood pulp. Though both are acid-free, and you want acid-free for the protection of your artwork, cotton rag mats are less likely to become discolored or develop wear lines over time, so they’re right for valuable pieces requiring longevity.
Archival Protection Benefits
Acid free mats are important to the preservation of artwork over time - they keep your art from yellowing and deteriorating. Their importance is even more significant for high-valued items that must remain in as near to mint condition as possible to pass on down through the generations. They provides an archival quality acid free protection for your art products by preventing any airborne pollutants from affecting the artwork, yet keeping it breathable to prevent any humidity build up. With all of these long-term protection advantages, acid free mats are the choice of museums, galleries, and serious individuals in the protection of their treasured art pieces.
Textured Mat Boards: Enhancing Visual Interest
Linen Finish & Other Textures
Textured Mat Board Especially around the edge, textured mat boards, especially a linen texture, adds a lot to the appeal of framed art. These textured effects create depth and dimension enhancing canvas art in a framed style. With its natural texture of the linen and tactile feel,… you really create interesting contrasts with smooth works. This contrast brings much richness and layering to the view of the art. Besides, a textured mats use is a design decision that enables artist and designer to create sophisticated and at the same time, interesting presentation.
Design Applications
Textured mats have gained traction in the gallery world, where the room in which art is displayed will often dictate what people will remember. In these settings, the addition of textured mats can improve the presentation significantly, and draw the viewer in to the art on a more profound scale. Textured Mattes Allows you to frame, enhance frame designs and emphasize creative designs around the photos. Used in commercial displays and personal collections, textured mat board provides the opportunity to enhance and highlight the essence of the artwork, focusing the viewer’s attention directly on the piece and allowing for a truly unique experience.
Conservation-Grade Buffered Mat Boards
Acid-Neutralizing Process
Buffered matboards are made from conservation grade matboard and they are buffered with calcium carbonate via a unique acid-neutralizing process providing enhanced protection for your most treasured images. This treatment has the advantage of a being neutralizing any acids that may exist in the base stretching and mounting materials, all but eliminating the chance of negative environmental influences which could lead to deterioration of the art over time. These conservation boards stabilise the pH of materials and help to prevent the acidity breaking down the fibres over time, which causes yellowing and brittleness in works of art. This characteristic means they can play an important role in protecting priceless works of art and providing precious pieces with an option for increased protection.
Ideal Use Cases
These kind of mats are recommended for any kind of archival work where an artwork's quality needs to be preserved. They are perfect for archiving old, delicate papers, antique prints, illustrations, and other valuable Memorbilla needing to be preserved and treated with care. The importance of protectors is paramount in a museum or gallery environment, where the duty of care for objects and artwork is at its highest. Using these mats, it can be ensured that an extra protection has been done to protect the image for a life time.
FAQ
Why are mat boards essential in picture framing?
Mat boards are crucial as they provide both aesthetic enhancement and physical protection to the artwork, preventing damage from moisture and other environmental factors.
What materials are typically used for standard mat boards?
Standard mat boards are usually made from wood pulp or paper-based materials, but for better preservation, options like PH-neutral substances, cotton, and cellulose are preferred.
How do textured mat boards enhance framed artwork?
Textured mat boards add depth and visual interest, creating contrasts with the artwork that enrich the viewing experience and draw the viewer's focus.
Are conservation-grade buffered mat boards suitable for all types of artwork?
Conservation-grade buffered mat boards are particularly suited for delicate and valuable artworks that require protection against environmental degradation and acid damage.