A matting frame, often called a mat, is a border placed between artwork and its picture frame. It provides both aesthetic and functional benefits.
Functionality of a Matting Frame
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Visual Separation: A matting frame creates visual space between the artwork and the frame, allowing the eye to focus more clearly on the art itself.
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Protection: It prevents the artwork from directly touching the glass or acrylic of the frame, which can lead to damage over time due to moisture or sticking.
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Aesthetic Enhancement: Mats come in various colors and textures, allowing you to complement the artwork and the surrounding decor.
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Size Adjustment: Mats can be used to fit smaller artwork into larger frames.
Materials and Construction
Mats are typically made from matboard, a specially manufactured board designed to be acid-free or archival quality. This ensures that the mat does not degrade and harm the artwork over time. The matboard is cut with one or more openings (windows) to reveal the artwork.
Common Types of Matboard:
| Type | Description | Acid-Free |
|---|---|---|
| Paper Mat | Economical option, but often contains acids that can damage artwork. | No |
| Alpha-cellulose Mat | Made from purified wood pulp, acid-free and lignin-free. | Yes |
| Rag Mat | Made from 100% cotton rag, the highest quality and most archival option. | Yes |
Summary
In essence, a matting frame is a protective and visually appealing border that surrounds artwork within a picture frame, adding depth, focus, and preservation.
