Using Photography Matboard

There is nothing more attractive nor timeless than the use of a Wood Picture Frame for displaying your photographic image or painting. Wood picture frames have a warmth and organic kind of luster that metal, plastic and other materials cannot match, and there is a great deal of variety available – meaning there is a wood picture frame for virtually any kind of visual images.

Ready Made Picture Frames And Their Purpose

Of couse, you want to use a metal or wood picture frame in order to create the very best presentation for your artwork – but the purpose for framing is much more than this. The primary reason for using custom or ready made picture frames is to protect the artifact – the photo print or painting – from the environmental hazards that can reduce it to scrap paper or a useless rag within years.

Environmental hazards that can harm your artifact are:

• Humidity: the effects of condensation on paper and fabric. Although it may not be apparent in the atmosphere, excess moisture can show up in the least likely places, wreaking havoc with your photo image, painting or print.

• Temperature Variations: As you know, heat causes materials to expand; cold makes them contract. This can cause the artifact to warp and curl if it is not mounted properly.

• Pollution: Pollutants and contaminants are usually present in the environment. PH levels can adversely affect your artifact when acids interact with photographic chemicals and dyes, causing unsightly streaks and other flaws.

• Ultraviolet Light: Like your skin, photos and paintings can be damaged by exposure to direct sunlight. If such exposure is unavoidable, the choice of glazing is vital.

A Bill Of Materials

If you choose a framing kit, chances are it will include everything you need to mount your artifacts into metal or wood frames properly. At a minimum, you’ll also need:

• Mount board – to keep the artifact rigidly in the frame and avoid sagging; this should be made from high-quality, acid-free material.

• Barrier material – to keep the backmat from coming in direct contact with the mount board. It’s a good ideal to select something that has been treated with a high pH (alkaline) barrier agent so as to provide another layer of protection

• Matboard – this may be of the same material as the mount board. Bainbridge mats are of the highest quality and the material preferred by professionals. Foamcore matboard has the advantage of being exceptionally easy to work with.

• Hinges – these are small, adhesive pieces of paper designed for the specific purpose of fixing artifacts in place. They are preferable to glue or spray adhesives, as they are easier to control. Alternatively, you may prefer to use photo corners.

• Glazing – a material, usually glass or acrylic, that protects the surface of the artifact.

Once you have gathered these, you’re ready to mount your photo into your wood picture frame. Remember that like wood floors and furniture, wood picture frames also require regular care and polishing.