Mats
What are the Benefits of Adding a Mat?
- Prevents artwork from touching glazing
- Increases the size if filling a larger space
- Presentation
- Adds depth to your artwork
Preservation
If you are framing a paper artwork or piece of artwork that has significant monetary or sentimental value to you, it needs breathing room. Paper expands and contracts with the environment so the glazing should not touch the paper. Most paper artwork will also off gas inside of the frame, matboard allows the gasses to dissipate throughout the framing environment instead of being trapped between the glass and the artwork. Adding a single mat gives it the proper amount of breathing room; however, we can accomplish the same thing by using spacers if you do not want to add a mat.
Size: Add a mat with 3-6 inches of mat margins to make your piece larger.
Accent your piece with mats
Mats can really complete your artwork when the right color(s) and mat margins are chosen. We frequently recommend a 3/16″ pop of color for the inner mat.
Mat Depth: Above is a triple mat with the top and bottom mats being 8-ply to add depth.
Mat Margins Matter –
- Your mat margin should not equal your frame width.
- Your outside mat should not be so small that you barely see it, otherwise, why add it?
- Your mat color should not overpower the artwork.
This is a great example of using mats to complete your artwork. The bottom mat is an 8-ply showing about 1/4″ that blends with the artwork but creates depth. The second (middle) mat is a regular 4-ply mat showing about 3/16″ blending with the lighter pink tones of the artwork and the frame. The top mat is about 1 1/2″ and brings out the darker pink tones in the piece.
Despite the benefits of adding a mat, we will always try to work with your budget and design to your tastes. Afterall, its going in your house, not ours.