Understanding Picture Frame Matting Basics

Custom framing is an art of framing which requires skilled craftsmanship, years of

experience and gives the option of customizing your frame as per your requirement. It

also helps in protecting your art and displaying it in the best way possible. In custom

framing you are free to choose your material, design and layout to show your picture as

per your liking.

Often Matting is used in custom frames which is probably the most complicated part of

buying a frame. Mats can be made of cardboard or other materials that can serve as a

frame within a frame. The frame separates picture from direct contact to the glass. Small

air space between photograph and glass also prevents moisture build up. A mat can be

decorated as per photograph’s specification- coloured, decorated or pure white.

Preservation Grades

Mats should be made of acid free material. Everything that is in contact with the artwork

should be acid free. Mats should also, not only be acid free but should have the quality to

absorb has air-born contaminates that has the ability to damage your art

Hand Crafted Picture Frames NYC

Understanding Picture Frame Matting Basics

There are 3 grades of a Mat

Grade 1: Untreated Acid Core

This is a basic mat in which only surface is treated to reduce acidity but the core is

untreated. So if a mat is cut or damaged from any side then the acid can leak from the mat

and render the artwork yellow. This type of mat is best used for temporary framing for

about 1 year

Grade 2: Treated wood pulp interior

This is made of wood pulp fiber and is chemically treated to reduce acid property of the

mat. They offer medium level of protection and are suitable for items which are valuable

but not irreplaceable.

Grade 3: Cotton Based

These mats are not made of wood pulp but of cotton which are naturally acid free. This is

best kind of material that can be used to create a Mat . They often come with lifetime

warranty and the artwork is the safest when this kind of mat is used. However, they tend

to be quite expensive

What is a Ply?

Ply represent an important part of Mat. Normally mats are made of 2 core layers, and a

backing; or 4 parts, hence the word 4 plys. However most mat board today are made with

just 3 layers, and backing.

Hand Crafted Picture Frames NYC

Understanding Picture Frame Matting Basics

Color of a Mat

One very important point to consider while choosing mat color is that, your Mat should

primarily compliment the picture, and only then the other aspect such as color of wall,

furnishing and décor should be taken as a factor, while deciding the color of the mat.

Other important rule while choosing mat is that, mat should draw the focus of the image

to the viewer’s eye.

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