Have you ever noticed how a well-chosen mat can completely transform a piece of artwork, making it feel more polished and professional? Matting isn't just about aesthetics; it plays a crucial role in preserving your precious pieces. By creating a space between the artwork and the glazing, a mat protects against moisture buildup and potential damage, ensuring your artwork remains in pristine condition for years to come. More than that, a matboard provides a visual break, guiding the eye to focus on the artwork and enhancing its impact.
Whether you're a seasoned artist framing your own creations or a collector looking to protect and showcase your investments, understanding the fundamentals of matting is essential. A poorly chosen or improperly cut mat can detract from the artwork, diminish its value, and even cause long-term damage. Learning the techniques for selecting the right materials, cutting precise openings, and assembling the final product will empower you to present your artwork in the best possible light and protect it for generations to come.
What are the most common questions about matting artwork?
What's the best way to choose mat colors that complement my artwork?
The best way to choose mat colors is to identify the dominant and secondary colors within your artwork and select mat colors that either subtly echo these hues or provide a gentle contrast, enhancing the artwork without overwhelming it. Consider also the overall mood and style of the piece, and the intended display environment.
When selecting mat colors, bring your artwork (or a high-quality photograph of it) to a framing shop or hold color swatches directly against the piece in good lighting. Look for colors that are present, even subtly, within the artwork itself. For example, if your painting features a landscape with muted greens and browns, a warm cream or beige mat might complement it beautifully. A mat that is too bright or intensely colored can distract the viewer's eye, pulling focus away from the artwork. Similarly, very dark mats can sometimes make lighter artwork appear washed out. Consider the "hierarchy" of colors in your piece. Do you want to emphasize a particular shade? Subtly drawing out a less obvious color within the art can add depth and complexity to the presentation. Remember, the purpose of the mat is to enhance and protect the artwork, not to compete with it. Neutral colors like off-whites, creams, grays, and blacks are generally safe choices as they offer a clean and understated backdrop, allowing the artwork to take center stage. Finally, take into account the color scheme of the room where the artwork will be displayed. While the mat should primarily complement the artwork, it should also harmonize with its surroundings. For instance, if your room has cool, gray walls, a warm-toned mat might create an appealing contrast, while a cool-toned mat would create a more cohesive and calming feel.How do I calculate the correct mat dimensions for my frame and artwork?
To calculate mat dimensions, first determine the desired width of the mat border around your artwork. A common starting point is 2-3 inches. Double this width to get the total amount added to both the width and height of your artwork. Then, add these values to your artwork's dimensions to find the inside dimensions of the frame needed. The outside dimensions of the mat will match the inside dimensions of your frame, and the inside dimensions (window) of the mat will match the dimensions of your artwork (or slightly overlap it for a secure fit).
A well-proportioned mat enhances artwork and provides visual breathing room. While a 2-3 inch border is standard, consider the size of your artwork and the overall aesthetic you're aiming for. Larger pieces can handle wider mats, sometimes even up to 5 inches or more, while smaller pieces may look best with narrower borders. Also, consider the placement of the artwork; a mat can draw attention to a specific detail within the piece, depending on how you position it within the window. Remember that a slight overlap between the mat's inside edge and the artwork is crucial. This overlap, typically ¼ inch on each side, prevents the artwork from falling through the opening and allows for minor imperfections in cutting. When calculating your mat window dimensions, subtract ½ inch (¼ inch x 2 sides) from both the width and height of your artwork. For example, if your artwork is 8x10 inches, the mat window should be 7.5x9.5 inches.What are the pros and cons of using a single vs. double mat?
The primary difference between single and double mats lies in visual impact and perceived value. A single mat offers a clean, simple presentation and is generally more economical, while a double mat adds depth, complexity, and a sense of higher quality but at a greater cost.
A single mat is ideal when simplicity is desired or the artwork itself is the primary focus. It provides a clean border that isolates the piece without drawing undue attention to the matting itself. This can be particularly effective for modern or minimalist artwork, photographs where the image is the main event, or when framing a large collection of pieces where cost is a major consideration. Furthermore, a single mat is often preferred when the artwork already possesses strong visual elements, preventing the framing from becoming overwhelming or competing with the art.
Conversely, a double mat creates a visual separation between the artwork and the frame, offering a richer and more layered aesthetic. The inner mat, often a contrasting color or texture, acts as an accent, highlighting specific colors or details within the artwork and drawing the viewer's eye inward. This added dimension can elevate the perceived value of the piece and make it appear more sophisticated. However, it's crucial to choose the colors carefully. A poorly chosen double mat can clash with the artwork or overwhelm it, ultimately detracting from its beauty.
| Feature | Single Mat | Double Mat |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Impact | Simple, clean | Layered, complex |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Depth | Minimal | Added depth and dimension |
| Complexity | Less complex | More complex |
| Best for | Simple art, budget framing | Elevating artwork, highlighting details |
How do I cut a professional-looking mat with clean, beveled edges?
To cut a professional-looking mat with clean, beveled edges, you'll need a specialized mat cutter, a sharp blade, a metal straight edge, and practice. Proper technique involves setting the blade depth correctly, using consistent pressure while pulling the cutter along the straight edge, and overlapping your cuts slightly at the corners.
The key to achieving a bevel is using a dedicated mat cutter, which holds the blade at a 45-degree angle. There are two main types: handheld and tabletop. Tabletop cutters generally offer more stability and accuracy, especially for larger mats. Whichever type you choose, start by marking your desired opening dimensions on the *back* of the mat board. This is important because you will be cutting from the back to ensure the cleanest edge on the front. A T-square and ruler will help you achieve accurate measurements and square corners.
Before committing to your final mat, practice on scrap mat board. This allows you to dial in the blade depth. Too shallow, and you won't cut through the board cleanly. Too deep, and you'll gouge the surface below. A new, sharp blade is crucial. Dull blades tear the board, leaving ragged edges. Once you're ready, align your straight edge along your marked lines. Apply firm, even pressure to the mat cutter while pulling it along the straight edge. When you reach a corner, slightly overlap the cut (about 1/8 inch) to ensure a clean intersection. Repeat for all four sides. With a little practice, you will be producing professional quality mats.
What type of mat board is best for archival purposes?
For archival purposes, 100% cotton rag mat board, also known as museum board, is the gold standard. It's acid-free, lignin-free, and buffered with calcium carbonate to neutralize any acids that may form over time, ensuring the long-term preservation of your artwork.
The longevity of artwork depends significantly on the materials used in its presentation. Acidic components in lower-quality mat boards can migrate into the artwork, causing discoloration, embrittlement, and eventual degradation. Cotton rag mat boards are naturally pH neutral and manufactured to remain so for centuries. The calcium carbonate buffer acts as a safeguard, neutralizing acidic pollutants from the environment and any residual acidity that might develop within the board itself. While other options like alpha-cellulose mat boards can be acid-free, they are not as inherently stable as cotton rag. Alpha-cellulose boards are made from purified wood pulp, and while manufacturers often remove lignin (a substance that contributes to acidity), they may not offer the same level of long-term protection. For truly valuable or irreplaceable artworks, investing in 100% cotton rag mat board provides the peace of mind that your art is being preserved to the highest standards.Should the bottom mat border be wider than the top and sides?
Yes, generally a slightly wider bottom mat border is recommended. This is a common practice in framing artwork and photography because it creates a visually balanced and pleasing aesthetic, preventing the image from appearing to sink to the bottom of the frame.
A wider bottom border is an optical illusion trick. Our eyes naturally perceive things at the bottom as needing more visual weight to appear balanced. If the mat borders are all the same size, the artwork can seem like it's sliding downwards, creating an unsettling feeling. Adding a bit of extra width to the bottom mat corrects this perception, grounding the image and making it feel more stable and visually centered. This subtle adjustment enhances the overall presentation of the artwork. The exact amount of extra width for the bottom border is subjective and depends on the size of the artwork and the desired aesthetic. A common rule of thumb is to make the bottom border approximately 10-20% wider than the top and side borders. For example, if the top and side borders are 2 inches wide, the bottom border could be 2.2 to 2.4 inches wide. Experimenting with different widths is encouraged to find what looks best for the particular piece. Ultimately, the goal is to create a harmonious balance that enhances the artwork without overpowering it.How can I prevent artwork from shifting behind the mat?
The key to preventing artwork from shifting behind the mat is to securely attach it to the backing board without using adhesives that could damage the art. This is best achieved using acid-free or archival-quality paper or linen hinging tape along the top edge of the artwork, creating a "hinge" that allows it to hang from the backing board.
Proper hinging allows the artwork to expand and contract slightly with changes in humidity without buckling or tearing, while also holding it firmly in place. Always avoid using regular tape, glue, or any permanent adhesive directly on the artwork itself. These materials can yellow, become brittle, and irrevocably damage your art over time. Instead, focus on creating a secure but reversible mounting system. Here's a breakdown of the recommended method:- Use Acid-Free Materials: Archival-quality hinging tape and backing board are essential.
- Create a T-Hinge: Apply short strips of hinging tape to the back of the artwork along the top edge. Then, attach these strips to the backing board, forming a "T" shape. This allows the artwork to hang naturally.
- Consider Weight and Size: For larger or heavier pieces, use more hinging tape and reinforce the corners with additional smaller pieces of tape bridging from art to board.
And there you have it! Hopefully, this has given you the confidence to tackle your own matting projects. It might seem a little daunting at first, but with a little practice (and maybe a few extra mats!), you'll be creating beautifully framed artwork in no time. Thanks for reading, and be sure to check back soon for more art tips and tricks!