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Photo Matted

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.

About the Author

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

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