Adding a mat board between your artwork and the frame can really enhance the whole piece. There are many colours and options to choose from.
Mat board is a special type of cardboard-like material that is used in framing as an extra layer and border between the frame and the artwork. Here are some reasons to include it in your custom framing…
As well as adding an extra layer to the overall artwork, it further enhances by guiding the viewer’s focus. The size of the opening, colour and texture (from smooth to suede and metallics) can all be customised to maximise the overall look of the artwork, allowing it to truly shine. Adding a border around the outside, it increases the overall size of the artwork as well.
It also gives extra protection for the artwork by providing a tiny space between the artwork and the glass. Direct contact between the artwork and glass can cause damage over time – particularly photographs sticking to the glass and paint smearing on the glass. The thickness (ply) of a standard mat board varies from 1.3mm 4-ply to double thick 3mm 8-ply. This tiny gap provides a buffer to prevent any moisture build up and the subsequent damage.
Standard 4-ply matboards come in a wide range of colours, are acid-free and usually have a white core. They are the most common matboards.
The term “core” refers to the inside of the board. You can see the core on the inside edge of the matboard window as it is cut with a 45 degree bevel. The colour of the core can be white, black, cream or continuous (the exact same color as the mat board itself). Most artwork is framed with white core boards, however the other options can add that extra bit of something to the right piece.
Conservation matboards have a rag or purified woodpulp core and are used in conservation framing which requires the special use of materials and techniques to provide extra protection to framed artwork.
Museum board is made of 100% cotton fibres. While the most expensive, it is the ultimate mat board, used by museums and collectors.
Matboards can also have variations in surface texture. Smooth mats are the most common and give a clean, silky appearance. Slightly textured mats have a subtle surface pattern which can slightly alter the tone of the colour while adding texture. Heavily textured mats add another layer of visual interest, such as a suede or leather look.
(Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash)