Tips on Matting in Custom Framing

In the world of custom framing, there are a few rules that we always follow. One of the biggest is that we never use mats on canvas art of any kind. It's not common to use mats on glass or chromaluxe printing either. When it comes to cross-stitch, it’s up to personal preference. However, mats are required (with a float, spacer, or reverse bevel) on pastel artwork to prevent the pastel dust from accumulating and damaging the artwork.

How Matting Protects Your Artwork

Matting acts as a protective barrier between your artwork and the frame or glass. This is essential for preventing damage from moisture, dirt, and other environmental factors. Additionally, mats can help prevent the artwork from sticking to the glass, which is particularly important for pieces like photographs, prints, and delicate artworks.

Enhancing Visual Interest

Beyond protection, matting significantly impacts the presentation of your artwork. A well-chosen mat can highlight the colors in your art, draw the viewer’s eye, and create a sense of depth. By providing a visual buffer, mats can also help small pieces stand out in larger frames, making them look more substantial and prominent.

Types of Matting

When it comes to matting, the materials and textures you choose can make a significant difference in both the protection and presentation of your artwork. Here’s an overview of the different types of matting available:

1. Paper Matting: While an affordable option, paper mats can cause long-term damage to your artwork due to their acidic nature, leading to yellowing and deterioration. These mats are made from standard paper fibers and are available in various colors and textures, making them versatile but not ideal for preservation. Because of these issues, I don’t offer paper mats at my shop.

2. Cellulose Matting: This type of matting is made from high-quality paper fibers and is a versatile option available in various colors and textures. It's a great choice for most artworks, offering both protection and visual appeal without the risks associated with acidic paper mats.

3. Cotton Rag Matting: Ideal for valuable or sentimental pieces, cotton rag mats are acid-free and provide excellent protection against yellowing and deterioration. They are especially useful when you need to match a specific type of paper since cotton mats pair well with other cotton-based materials.

4. Textured Matting: These mats add distinctive textures to your artwork. Options include linen, silk, suede, bamboo, burlap, leather, and even pitted textures like golf ball, basketball, or hammered metal. These textures can enhance the visual interest of your pieces, adding depth and dimension.

5. Faux Textured Matting: For those looking to achieve specific visual effects, faux textured mats can mimic various finishes like patina or marbling. Faux textures have their time and place, providing flexibility in addressing texture problems and can sometimes look better for certain artworks.

Choosing the Right Colors

Selecting the right mat color is crucial for showcasing your artwork:

• Neutral Colors: Off-white mats (either warm or cool, depending on the art and environment) often work better than pure white mats, which can sometimes detract from the artwork. Neutral earth tones are another excellent choice, as they enhance the art without overpowering it.

• Accent Colors: Picking a color that matches a less dominant hue in your artwork can create a cohesive look.

• Contrasting Colors: While some people use contrasting colors for a bold statement, I generally avoid this approach. Despite my extensive training in color theory, I find that contrasting colors often sit uncomfortably in frame design.

Mat Margins

The margin, or width, of the mat, plays a vital role in framing design. The margin size can affect the overall balance and focus of the artwork within the frame. Here are some key considerations for choosing the right mat margin:

1. Proportion: A good starting point is a 4" margin. Generalizing like this is a bit reckless, so an even better starting point is double the size of the frame. This approach ensures that your eye naturally gravitates towards the artwork. The larger mat also results in a larger frame, drawing viewers in from across the room and making a statement that something special is inside.

2. Visual Focus: A well-chosen mat margin can help direct the viewer’s eye to the artwork. Wider margins can create a more dramatic effect, making the artwork the clear focal point, while narrower margins can offer a subtler transition from the frame to the artwork.

3. Double Matting: The only time it makes sense to use a single mat is if it's an 8-ply mat. Otherwise, using double mats allows the margin of the top mat to be narrower, revealing the accent color of the bottom mat, adding depth and interest to the presentation.

4. Context and Environment: There might be specific gallery requirements for framing, as I experienced when competing and had to frame my artwork in a particular way. Additionally, I might adjust my style if I think having a cohesive pattern across multiple pieces looks cooler than one piece standing out.

5. Personal Preference: Ultimately, the choice of mat margin should reflect your personal taste and the specific characteristics of the artwork. There’s no one-size-fits-all rule, and experimentation can often lead to the best results.

Conclusion

Matting is more than just a protective element in custom framing; it’s a powerful tool for enhancing the visual appeal of your artwork. Whether you’re preserving a cherished photograph or showcasing a new painting (on paper), the right matting can make all the difference. By understanding the different types of matting available, you can make an informed decision that enhances both the protection and aesthetic appeal of your artwork.