Mat Board-Good, Better, Best

Almost all artwork on paper is framed using a decorative paper border between the art and the frame, known as Mat Board. Not only does mat board add color and an eye-pleasing visual border to your work, it can also protect it from damage over time by creating a small space between the artwork and the glass so the paper can breath. Many people do not know about the different types of Mat Boards offered in today's picture framing world, so in today's blog, I thought I would enlighten you on the Good, the Better and the Best types of mat boards for your artwork.

The Good: Decorative Mat Board. This type of board is made from wood pulp and is non-conservation quality. This just means that your artwork will not be protected from the damaging effects of the acid that is contained in these mat boards. We only recommend using decorative mat board (or paper mat board) for decorative framing, open ended reproduction artwork and commercial applications where price is an issue.

The Better: Conservation Mat Board. This type of board is made from Alpha-Cellulose, and is acid-free and lignin-free. This means that your artwork is protected from the damaging effects of acid. The surface of these mat boards are pigmented for fade and bleed resistance, so the shade of your mat board will not lighten over time. These mat boards are suitable for conservation framing and are recommended for fine art prints, limited editions, valuable documents and photography.

The Best: Cotton Rag Board. This board is made of 100% cotton fibers that are naturally acid and lignin-free as well as a renewable and environmentally friendly. Cotton Rag Board also meets museum standards for conservation as set by the F.A.T.G (or Fine Art Trade Guild). It is time tested and is guaranteed safe next to any type of artwork. This type of board is recommended for valuable works of original art on paper, items of historical importance, valuable documents and photographs and heirlooms that cannot be replaced.