September 16, 2024
Colin Morris
September 16, 2024
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Colin Morris
What Benefit Comes From Matting?
When a client is looking for an economical solution to preserving their memories, invariably it’s the mat that is the first thing that suffers. But there are really several reasons why you should consider having a mat cut when having your artwork framed.
Presentation
Aesthetically, it provides a visual buffer between the frame, which can sometimes be very elaborate, and your image. This will keep them from competing for your attention. It’s presence will also serve to enhance and, if necessary, dress up what you have chosen to preserve.
Conservation
Matting does a great deal to protect your artwork from a number of factors that would degrade and discolor. Without it, UV light, pressure and humidity built up underneath the glass can serve to transfer the paint and/or pigment of the art onto the glass. At worst, the artwork adheres to the glass, and it’s removal almost invariably will result in some level of tearing.
Most wood frame mouldings carry varying degrees of natural acidity and chemicals as well. A distance of at least 3 inches is generally agreed amongst art conservators to be sufficient to keep prints and paintings from yellowing from direct contact with frames; an elegant mat hides this distance while maintaining the eye-pleasing presentation you’re striving for.
