What Are the Different Types of Matboard Available for Picture Frames?

What Are the Different Types of Matboard Available for Picture Frames?

Introduction to Matboard

Framing a picture is about more than just enclosing it within glass and wood. The choice of Matboard plays a significant role in both the visual presentation and the long-term preservation of artwork, photographs, posters, or memorabilia. A Matboard is the material that sits between the image and the frame, usually with a window cut to reveal the artwork beneath. Its main functions are to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the framed item and to create a protective barrier that prevents direct contact between the image and the glazing.

The world of Matboard is diverse, offering a wide variety of options to suit different artistic, decorative, and preservation needs. Understanding the different types of Matboard available is essential for making the right choice when framing pictures.

Functions of Matboard in Picture Framing

Protection of Artwork

The primary role of Matboard is protection. By keeping the image separated from the glass or acrylic, it prevents issues such as condensation damage, smudging, or sticking. Certain types of Matboard are also acid-free, providing a barrier that prevents acids from migrating into the image and causing discoloration.

Aesthetic Presentation

Matboard frames the picture within the frame, highlighting its subject, providing depth, and drawing the viewer’s attention to the focal point. The color, thickness, and texture of the mat can transform how the artwork is perceived.

Convenience and Versatility

Available in precut or custom sizes, Matboard is versatile and can suit everything from a simple home photo to professional gallery exhibitions.

Types of Matboard by Material

Standard Matboard

Standard Matboard is made from wood pulp. It is a budget-friendly option that works well for posters, certificates, or decorative prints. However, it is not archival-quality and may yellow or deteriorate over time.

Acid-Free Matboard

Acid-free Matboard is made from paper or cotton pulp treated to neutralize acidity. It provides better protection for photographs and artwork than standard mats and is often used for mid-range framing projects where moderate preservation is needed.

Museum-Grade Matboard

Museum-grade Matboard is made from 100% cotton or purified alpha-cellulose. It is both acid-free and lignin-free, meeting the highest archival standards. This type is preferred for valuable or irreplaceable pieces that require long-term preservation.

Types of Matboard by Core

Cream Core

Cream core matboard has a light cream-colored bevel edge visible when cut. It is widely used in decorative framing but may darken or yellow with age.

White Core

White core matboard features a bright white bevel edge that remains stable over time. It is ideal for professional presentations, as it maintains a clean, sharp appearance.

Black Core

Black core matboard provides a black bevel edge, creating bold contrast. This is particularly effective for black-and-white photography or modern graphic designs.

Colored Core

Some matboards are dyed throughout with color, ensuring the bevel matches the mat surface. This type is popular in creative framing projects where continuity and artistic effect are desired.

Types of Matboard by Thickness

Standard Thickness

Most matboards are 4-ply, approximately 1.4 mm thick. This is sufficient for most framing applications and provides a clean presentation.

Extra-Thick Matboard

For greater visual impact, 8-ply matboard provides a deeper bevel cut and adds a sense of dimension. It is often used in galleries to create a dramatic, professional effect.

Multi-Layer Matboard

Framers sometimes layer multiple matboards to achieve double or triple matting. This creates depth and allows for creative color combinations that enhance the artwork.

Types of Matboard by Finish

Smooth Finish

Smooth finish matboard offers a clean, modern appearance and works well with photography or contemporary art.

Textured Finish

Textured matboard, which can mimic linen, fabric, or handmade paper, adds elegance and is often used with watercolors, drawings, or traditional artwork.

Specialty Finishes

Specialty matboards may include metallic, glossy, or patterned surfaces. These are used for decorative or creative projects where unique presentation is desired.

Types of Matboard by Color

Neutral Colors

Neutral tones like white, cream, gray, and beige are versatile and timeless. They highlight the artwork without overwhelming it.

Dark Colors

Dark-colored matboards such as black, navy, or burgundy create strong contrast, emphasizing lighter tones in artwork. They are frequently used in photography and modern art.

Custom and Decorative Colors

Matboard is available in a wide spectrum of colors, allowing custom framing to match home décor, gallery themes, or brand identity.

Applications of Different Matboard Types

Photography

White or black core matboard is especially effective for photographs, providing sharp lines and professional presentation.

Fine Art

Museum-grade matboard is essential for fine art, offering archival protection while textured or extra-thick mats enhance the display.

Posters and Certificates

Standard matboard works well for posters, prints, and certificates where preservation is not the primary concern.

Collectibles and Memorabilia

Double or triple matting with acid-free or archival-quality boards offers a professional way to showcase memorabilia, awards, or signed items.

Commercial and Retail Displays

Businesses often use bold or custom-colored matboards to frame branding materials, promotional displays, or signage.

Conclusion

Matboard is far more than just a decorative accessory in framing. It provides protection, enhances presentation, and ensures longevity when the right type is chosen. From budget-friendly standard matboard to archival museum-grade options, and from neutral white cores to dramatic black or colored cores, there is a matboard suitable for every project. Thickness, finish, and color choices further expand creative possibilities, enabling framers to tailor displays for both aesthetic appeal and preservation. Choosing the right matboard ensures that artwork, photographs, and collectibles are not only beautifully presented but also safeguarded for years to come.

FAQ

What is Matboard used for?

It is used in picture framing to separate artwork from glass, provide protection, and enhance the visual presentation.

What is the difference between standard and acid-free matboard?

Standard matboard is made from wood pulp and may yellow over time, while acid-free matboard is treated to neutralize acids, offering better protection.

What is museum-grade matboard?

It is made from cotton or alpha-cellulose, acid-free and lignin-free, designed for archival preservation of valuable artwork.

What does core color mean in matboard?

The core is the visible beveled edge of the matboard. It can be cream, white, black, or colored, each creating a different visual effect.

How thick is standard matboard?

Standard matboard is 4-ply, approximately 1.4 mm thick. Extra-thick 8-ply options provide greater depth.

Can matboard be layered?

Yes, double or triple matting creates depth and allows creative use of contrasting colors.

Which matboard is best for photographs?

White or black core matboard is ideal for photographs because it creates sharp, professional contrast.

Do textured finishes suit all artwork?

Textured matboards are best for traditional art like watercolors or drawings, while smooth finishes work well with modern pieces.

Is matboard necessary for framing?

Yes, it enhances the presentation and protects the artwork by keeping it separate from the glass.

Where is matboard most commonly used?

It is widely used in home décor, galleries, exhibitions, offices, and retail displays for framing art, photos, posters, and memorabilia.