50 Shades of White: Choosing the Right Mat

To All Artists and Designers

When deciding on a custom frame design, the first step is whether to include a mat. The mat not only serves as a decorative element, but it creates a visual border and separates the art from the frame. The mat plays a pivotal role in both the aesthetics and preservation of your artwork. Let's get into why the mat deserves more recognition and explore the many benefits it brings to your walls. Consider the following factors when picking out a mat: 

• Aesthetic Enhancement 
• Protection from Damage 
• Customization and Flexibility 
• Mat Types

Aesthetic Enhancement 

Have you ever noticed how a frame picture seems to pop when accompanied by a mat? The space between the artwork and the frame created by the mat provides a visual buffer, drawing the viewer’s attention to the piece itself. This effect is especially noticeable when the mat’s color complements or contrasts with the artwork, adding depth and dimension to the display.

Picking a color for your mat can be so much fun, as it also offers versatility in design. Whether you prefer a classic white mat for a clean, timeless look, or a bright colored mat to make a bold statement, the options are endless. By choosing the right mat, you can tailor the presentation of your artwork to suit your personal style and the aesthetic of your space.

 

 

Origami art by Sara Larson

Protection from Damage

Mats serve a purpose in preserving your artwork. When framed directly against the glass, photographs and paper-based artwork are susceptible to damage from condensation, dust, and sticking to the glass surface over time. Applying a mat creates a space between the artwork and the glass, preventing these issues and prolonging the lifespan of your pieces.

Additionally, mats create airspace between the artwork and the glazing, allowing for some air circulation within the frame. This helps prevent the artwork from discoloration, deterioration, and warping. Mats, especially those made from materials like cotton or ragboard, have the ability to absorb excess moisture. The absorption helps to stabilize humidity levels within the frame that could potentially damage the artwork. If you are planning to pass an especially important piece down through generations to come, this could be an important feature for you to think about.

Customization and Flexibility

One of the greatest advantages when planning your custom-made frame with us is the ability to accommodate artwork of various sizes. Whether you have a standard-sized photograph or a digitally art-scanned large-sized print, we can make a custom-cut mat tailored to fit your specific dimensions, securing a perfect fit every time. At Crestar, we welcome a world of possibilities for framing a diverse range of artwork, from a university diploma to gallery-worthy masterpieces.

Furthermore, you have the option to create unique arrangements with your mats. By investing into double mats and fillets, you can really enhance the artwork as it adds a touch of elegance. Double mats involve layering two mats of different colors or textures around the artwork, with the inner mat slightly smaller to reveal a cool contrasting border and allowing for creative color combinations to flourish. Fillets are narrow strips placed between the artwork and mats, often featuring metallic finishes or intricate designs that further enrich the visual presentation of the artwork.

For reference, the left image displays a 4-ply mat, while the image to the right displays an 8-ply mat.

We offer different levels of thickness ranging from 2-ply to 8-ply. A 4-ply mat is thinner, typically around 1.4 mm (~1/16”) thick, while an 8-ply mat is thicker, approximately 2.3 mm (~3/32”) thick. The choice between these two depends on the desired visual impact and framing style. A 4-ply mat offers a subtle and sleek appearance, suitable for when a minimalist framing approach is preferred. On the other hand, an 8-ply mat creates a bolder and more significant border around the artwork, giving it a more dramatic effect. This thicker mat is cut with a beveled cut where the edge of the mat board is angled to ease the transition from the mat to the artwork giving it a more pronounced framing look.

Mat Types

There are several mat types to consider when thinking about the kind of aesthetic and style you’re aiming towards. At Crestar, we value the preservation of your artwork and therefore only work with archival conservation mats that will keep the longevity of your piece. Now, lets go over the many mat types;

• Rag Mats
• Archival Mats
• Non-Conservation Mats (Paper Mats)

  Rag Mats: Made from 100% Cotton or natural fibers, are archival-quality and used for framing valuable artwork or documents. Rag mats are acid-free and help protect artwork from deterioration over time.

  Archival Mats: Made with Acid-free material to provide long-term protection for your artwork. These archival mats are of high quality and cost a little less than rag mats, they typically have a white core, which can give a pop of brightness to the design, with the bevel cut.

  Non-Conservation Mats: These are mats made from paperboard. Non-conservation mats are not sold here at Crestar since they do not offer long-term protection for artwork. You know them when you see an older framed art, with the discolored yellow core… We don’t offer them.

  Choosing the right mat type depends on factors like the artwork itself, its value, the desired aesthetic, and the framing environment. For valuable or sensitive artwork, archival-quality mats like rag mats are recommended to ensure long-term preservation

Summary

The mat for picture frames serves as an important contribution when custom framing your art. From enhancing aesthetics and protecting artwork to offering customization and professional presentation, mats offer multiple benefits that contribute to the beauty and longevity of your framed pieces. So next time you’re framing a photograph or artwork, remember to give the mat the recognition it deserves – after all, it's the subtle elements that bring life to your walls.

Oh, and if you purchase a readymade frame with the matboard included, think non-conservation mat.