Framing Tips: Matting . . . What you need to know
Via our e-newsletter, this article discussed the subject of matting in a three part series: (1) the functional purpose of matting, (2) the aesthetics and (3) the quality options.
(Part 1 of 3-February)
Did you know that matting has several functional purposes?
One of the main functions of a mat, besides aesthetics, is to provide a space between the artwork and the glass. The reason this is important is because fluctuations in temperature and humidity can cause condensation to form on the inside of the glass. If your artwork comes into contact with this condensation, it can permanently ruin the piece. This is especially true with photographs as, even with little or no condensation occurring, the emulsion can sometimes adhere to the glass, thereby wrecking your photo.
Matting also provides some structural stability to the piece, helping to keep everything in place.
(Part 2 of 3-March)
The second of our three-part series on matting focuses on Aesthetics.
Matting can provide several design qualities to enhance your artwork, including depth, width, space and color. Carefully chosen matting can help the artwork come to life as well as provide a transition to your room's d?cor. This can be achieved by taking into account the colors and textures in both the artwork and the room, and finding a matting combination that ties them both together.
Matting now comes in hundreds of colors and textures, including silk, linen and suede covered mats, so the possibilities are endless.
One more design option that mats can provide is the ability to incorporate multiple images into one framed piece through the use of several " windows" or openings. This is a great way to showcase and archive an event such as a wedding or graduation. This technique is also effective for telling a story using a series of images or photos.
(Part 3 of 3-April)
The last of our three-part series on matting focuses on quality options.
These days there are basically three options, when it comes to matting materials: paper mats, archival mats and cotton rag mats.
Paper mats are lower quality, because of the way they are produced, they contain acids, lignins and other impurities that can cause damage to art, as well as yellow and fade over time. You can tell a paper mat by looking at the bevel. It will usually be yellowish with occasional dark spots and a layered or laminated look. Great Western Art Gallery neither sells nor recommends paper mats.
Archival Mats are alpha-cellulose, which is acid and lignin free and has been buffered to remain ph neutral. Most fabric mats (linen, suede, silk) are archival quality. These mats are suitable for framing all but the most valuable of works.
Rag Mats, also referred to as "Museum Grade" are made of 100% cotton, very smooth in appearance and come in an array of colors. They are suitable to use on anything, even very old or valuable art, and are not much more expensive than archival mats.
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