Remember Me
forgot your password?

Differences In Mat Board--Know What You Are Getting

Mat board is one of the components used for framing a picture.  Your photograph is mounted in some manner to a mount board, and then the photo mat board is placed on top of it, after which it goes into the frame itself and is protected by the glazing.  Framing mat board helps to provide a small air pocket right above the surface of the artwork, so that moisture is less likely to develop inside the frame and damage the surface of the picture.  Pre cut mat board also helps to hold the artwork smoothly in place in the frame, so that surface damage from wrinkles is less likely to occur.  Mat board also adds a decorative element to your artwork, to set it off and focus the viewer's eye to the center of the frame.  There are three major types of framing mat board that you will commonly find available for purchase, and each has its unique benefits.

•    Paper mat board

Paper pre cut mat board is the least expensive option for picture frame matting.  It comes in the widest array of colors and makes a great choice for when you want to add a complementary or contrasting color to your framed art.  It is made from a wood product, and thus contains acids which can, over time, cause damage to fine artwork through discoloration of the artwork's surface.  If your goal is to find an inexpensive and colorful pre cut mat board for framing artwork short term, then paper can be an effective choice.

•    Alpha cellulose and Cotton rag photo mat board

Alpha cellulose and Cotton rag mats are both considered to be types of archival mat board.  This means that they are fashioned to be used as photo mat board for the conservation of your fine artwork, and are appropriate for long-term use.

One of the reasons why Alpha cellulose and Cotton rag mats are considered archival mat board is that they are acid free.  One of the finest Alpha cellulose mats is Bainbridge mat board.  It is treated with a special Artcare system, which allows the Bainbridge mat board to protect your fine art from airborne pollution as well as acid byproducts.  It is designed to help reduce yellowing and fading of the artwork's surface, and comes ground wood and lignin-free.  The Bainbridge mat board will also not fade or bleed onto your artwork's surface.  The Alpha cellulose mats are moderately priced, while the Cotton rag mats are typically the most expensive.  They are, however, thicker than the other types of matting, and the core color is the same as the mat color, making for a nicer finished inner edge.

Quality matting can be found at superior online framing suppliers.

Susan Slobac

In this article Susan writes about mat board and archival mat board.

Rate this Article: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s)
Print Email Re-Publish

Add new Comment



Captcha

  • Latest Photography Articles
  • More from Susan Slobac

Camera: - A Best Gift To Store Precious Moments

By: bettye3tc | 06/11/2009
Camera is the best solution to look back in our past. All the cheering, happy, tough and all sorts of moments are captured in our cameras. From the childhood to the old age we can have all our records saved through it. But at times when we are at beeches or similar places then unfortunately we don’t capture those moments due to the fear of the damage of camera.

Latest Information About Photo Accessories

By: bettye3tc | 06/11/2009
What actually do we refer to as photo accessories? They are the extra things that makes photo shooting experience a better one. Now days there are a lot of photography accessories on the market today of which only a few are useful while the rest are nothing but a waste of precious money.

Digital cameras

By: Laszlo Pap | 04/11/2009
DIGITAL CAMERA: THE FUTURE OF CAMERAS I tried more different type of them, from beginners to professionals. Canon, Nicon, are perfect. What is inside? Read it.

How to find the best digital camera

By: Laszlo Pap | 04/11/2009
The key point to find the best digital camera is to find one that will best fit you and your lifestyle.

Disposable Cameras on Vacation

By: Ted Hardy | 04/11/2009
So you've probably all used a disposable camera at some point in your lives. They are pretty handy things for when you don't want to damage your camera. But have you ever used a disposable camera underwater? The opportunities to use these are fantastic and they excel in places where your digital camera really doesn't want to go.

Digital Photography Secrets -digital photography secret ebook

By: Samuel Phillips | 04/11/2009
Digital Photography Secrets reveals all the secrets of professional picture-taking to its essence. I highly recommend Digital Photography Secrets ! It is conveniently broken into clear sections such as Photographing People, Close-ups, Landscape, etc.

"Get More Vision" With DALSA at VISION 2009

By: Market Wire | 03/11/2009
DALSA Expands the Depth and Breadth of Its Machine Vision Offering; Showcases Eight New Camera Models, a New Frame Grabber, Image Processor and Software Tools

How To Get The Most Out Of Your Digital Camera Projector

By: Perry Stevens | 03/11/2009
There is a new wave of compact digital cameras that have just recently exploded onto the market. A compact camera that has the unique feature of a built in projector that allows you to display your pictures and movies anywhere you wish.

What Are Net Pots?

By: Susan Slobac | 31/10/2009 | Gardening
The type of hydroponic nutrient that your plants will need varies according to the plants and their stage of growth; you will find specific formulations for any indoor gardening need readily available.

Botanicare Nutrients Help Your Plants Flourish

By: Susan Slobac | 31/10/2009 | Home & Family
The version used for soil growers features high phosphorous levels, which is useful if your garden has clay soils, because clay can tie up the phosphorous naturally occurring in the soil, so by adding a soil amendment with high phosphorous it will help to bring your clay soil back into productive balance.

Hydroton Grow Rocks For Gardening

By: Susan Slobac | 31/10/2009 | Business
Hydroton clay brings other beneficial qualities for those who use it for container gardening. Hydroton clay is odorless, which is an excellent attribute if you are gardening indoors in a home or greenhouse. Hydroton is also very clean, making it much easier to work with than other types of soils and garden amendments.

Help With Hydroponic Growing Mediums

By: Susan Slobac | 30/10/2009 | Gardening
For traditional plantings where having quality soil is important, such as container gardening, gardening in raised beds or hanging baskets, you might want to try Foxfarm Ocean

Foxfarm Nutrients For Hydroponic Gardening

By: Susan Slobac | 30/10/2009 | Gardening
One of the Foxfarm nutrients that emphasizes nitrogen is the Foxfarm American Pride Organic Based Dry Mix. With a 9-6-6 formula for nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, it is designed to boost foliage production as well as the size and color intensity of blooms and buds.

The Right Picture Frames Supplies Make The Difference

By: Susan Slobac | 19/10/2009 | Business
These are not hard-and-fast rules, just general guidelines, however. Nonetheless, careful consideration should be given to the choice of these particular picture frames supplies; the picture frame mouldings should blend in with the décor of the room and should compliment the image being framed, not detract from it.

Custom Picture Framing Supplies Can Make a Difference

By: Susan Slobac | 19/10/2009 | Business
Whether you are purchasing a ready-made frame or are creating your own custom picture frames, the choice of picture frame moulding material is important. The general rule of thumb is that paintings/drawings are usually framed in wood, while metal frames are generally used for photographs.

Picture Framing – Where to Start, What to Choose

By: Susan Slobac | 19/10/2009 | Business
Secondly, consider the setting in which the completed, framed work will be displayed. What is the décor like? Is it traditional or contemporary? Metal frames are fine for the latter, but wood picture frames with an unobtrusive stain work best in most other situations.

Submit Your Articles Free: Signup
Article Categories




Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy | User published content is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Copyright © 2005-2008 Free Articles by ArticlesBase.com, All rights reserved. (0.11, 1, w1)