Lena Rivera
When it comes to artwork, matting refers to the process of surrounding a picture with a border, usually made of paperboard. This technique is used to enhance the visual appeal of the artwork and can be particularly effective for small pieces, giving them a sense of oomph and providing a clean border that boosts their impact. The purpose of matting is not just aesthetic but also protective. By creating space between the artwork and the frame's glass, mats help prevent water damage, mould, or mildew that could occur due to condensation. The choice of mat colour is important, with lighter shades generally preferred to create a contrast that draws the viewer's eye into the frame. While simple colours like grey, white, and cream are commonly used, the mat should ideally be darker than the wall it's placed on.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To protect the artwork and add appeal |
| Mat colour | Should be lighter than the art or picture but darker than the wall it's placed on |
| Mat border | Should be 2x the width of the frame |
| Artwork with a border | A single mat with a reveal is a great way to elevate the matting style and add elegance |
| Artwork with a signature | A single mat with a reveal is the recommended way to go |
| Artwork with a visual centre lower than the actual centre | Bottom weighting or off-sets are used frequently in matting |
| Artwork with a lower visual centre than the physical centre | Creating a larger bottom margin and offsetting the mat draws the eye to the physical centre of the image |
| Artwork with a lower visual centre than the sides and top margin | Top Centre is a subset of bottom weighting that creates a visually pleasing effect |
| Artwork preservation | Mats used should be acid-free to prevent mat burn |
| Artwork with water-soluble inks or paints | Cleaning may not be feasible |
| Artwork with traditional chemical processing of photographic film | Non-archival mats are suitable |
| Artwork with computer printing | Non-archival mats are less likely to cause damage |
| Mat decoration | French line or panel, V-Groove, or metal plate |
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What You'll Learn
Mats add depth and emphasis to small pieces
Mats are thin, paper-based borders placed between a piece of artwork and its frame. They are used to enhance the aesthetic appeal of a piece and to protect it from damage. Mats are particularly important for small pieces, adding depth and emphasis to tiny masterpieces.
When matting a small piece of artwork, the mat should be lighter than the art but darker than the wall it is placed on. Simple colours such as grey, white and cream are often used. The mat border should be twice the width of the frame to give the artwork a three-dimensional look.
The use of mats can help to draw the eye to the centre of the artwork. This can be achieved through techniques such as bottom weighting, where the bottom margin is made larger than the side and top margins, or French lines, where a line is drawn on the mat to form a rectangle or square around the opening. These techniques help to elevate the artwork and give it the wall space it deserves.
Mats also serve a practical purpose by creating space between the artwork and the frame. This is especially important for original paintings, works on paper, and custom-framed textiles, as it prevents condensation from building up and causing water damage, mould or mildew. Mats can also protect artwork from acid damage, which can cause brown marks to appear on the piece.
Overall, mats are a great way to add depth and emphasis to small pieces of artwork, enhancing their visual appeal and providing protection from potential damage.
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They protect artwork from water damage and mould
When it comes to protecting artwork, mats are essential. They act as a barrier between the artwork and the glass or plexiglass frame, preventing any condensation that may form on the inside of the glass from transferring to the art and causing water damage, mould, or mildew. This is especially important for photographs, as their surfaces are particularly vulnerable to damage.
The type of mat used is crucial for the long-term preservation of the artwork. Acidic mats, for instance, can cause mat burn, characterised by brown marks that creep in from the outside onto the artwork. While mat burn can sometimes be removed by cleaning the piece, this may not be possible if the artwork was created with water-soluble inks or paints, such as watercolours. Therefore, it is important to use acid-free mats for artwork intended to be preserved for extended periods.
The colour and size of the mat also play a role in protecting the artwork. The mat should be lighter than the artwork but darker than the wall it is placed on, with the mat border ideally being twice the width of the frame. This helps to create a sense of separation between the artwork and the surrounding environment, drawing the viewer's eye into the frame and enhancing the overall visual appeal of the piece.
Additionally, mats can be customised to feature designs such as lettering or simple images. These designs are typically carved into the mat by hand or using computerised mat-cutting systems, revealing the colour of the mat's core. Metal plates, usually made of brass, can also be affixed to the surface of the mat or the picture frame for added decoration.
The use of mats is particularly beneficial for small pieces of artwork, as they add impact and help to give these "tiny masterpieces" the wall space they deserve. For larger artworks, a narrower mat in proportion to the piece may be recommended, or the artwork may be framed full bleed, with the artwork extending to the frame's edge. Ultimately, mats serve to protect the artwork from water damage and mould while also enhancing its visual appeal and ensuring it receives the wall space it warrants.
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Mats are usually lighter than the artwork but darker than the wall
When it comes to choosing a mat for your artwork, the mat should generally be lighter than the artwork itself but darker than the wall it is placed on. This helps to create a sense of contrast and makes the artwork stand out. Simple colours such as grey, white, and cream are often used as mats, with white being a popular choice for galleries and exhibitions.
The purpose of matting is to protect the artwork and enhance its visual appeal. The mat border is typically twice the width of the frame, providing a sense of space and elegance. Mats are particularly important for artworks that are placed behind glass, as they help to prevent condensation and water damage.
The colour of the mat can also be chosen to complement the artwork and create a specific ambiance. For example, a colour that is dominant in the artwork can be used to emphasise the atmosphere, or a contrasting colour can be used to set a harsh tone. Mats can also be decorated with techniques such as French lines or panels, which involve drawing or painting decorative elements around the opening of the mat to draw the viewer's eye towards the centre.
It is important to consider the long-term protection of the artwork when choosing a mat. Acidic mats can cause "mat burn", which appears as brown marks on the displayed piece. To avoid this, it is recommended to use acid-free mats, especially for artworks that are meant to be preserved for a long time.
Mats can also be used to create a three-dimensional effect for the artwork. By using two or three mats in layers, the artwork can be given a sense of depth and an even more striking appearance. This technique is particularly effective for small masterpieces, helping them to command attention on a gallery wall.
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They can be customised with designs, lettering, or images
A mat is a thin, usually rectangular piece of paper-based material placed between a piece of artwork and the picture frame. Mats are used to enhance the visual appeal of the artwork and to protect it from damage. When choosing a mat, it should be lighter than the artwork but darker than the wall it's placed on. Common colours for mats include grey, white, and cream.
Mats can be customised with designs, lettering, or images. This is achieved by carving into the top decorative layer of the mat, revealing the colour of the mat's core. Mats are typically available with white, black, or cream-coloured cores, but some mats have brightly coloured cores in shades of green, red, yellow, or blue. The use of a computerised mat-cutting system allows for more complex designs.
In addition to carving, other methods of customising mats include sandpapering or using incisions to reveal the core. A French line or panel is a common form of decoration, where a line or panel is drawn or painted on the mat, usually in ink or paint, to form a rectangle or square around the opening. A French panel is thicker and can be made from decorative materials such as gold leaf. A similar technique is the V-Groove, which involves cutting a thin line into the mat around the edge of the opening, revealing the core.
For artwork with a lower visual centre than the actual centre, bottom weighting or off-sets are often used in matting. This involves creating a larger bottom margin to draw the viewer's eye to the physical centre of the image. It's important to consider the long-term protection of the artwork when choosing a mat, as acidic mats can cause "mat burn", resulting in brown marks on the displayed piece. To avoid this, it's recommended to use acid-free mats, especially for artwork created with water-soluble inks or paints.
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Mats are available in a variety of colours and shapes
When it comes to choosing a mat for your artwork, it's important to consider both colour and shape. Mats are available in a variety of colours, and the right choice will depend on the artwork itself and the wall it will be displayed on. Generally, the mat should be lighter than the artwork but darker than the wall. Simple colours such as grey, white and cream are often good choices and will help to enhance the artwork without being too distracting.
However, there are no hard and fast rules, and a well-chosen mat in a contrasting colour can be very effective in setting a particular tone. For example, a mat in a colour that is dominant in the artwork itself can emphasise the ambiance of the piece. Using two or three mats in different colours can also give the artwork a three-dimensional look. It's also possible to get creative with the core colour of the mat, which can be revealed through carving or incisions. While most mats have a white, black or cream-coloured core, some mats are available with bright green, red, yellow or blue cores.
The shape of the mat is also worth considering, and while most mats are rectangular, there are also oval and oval-apertured mats designed to go with oval frames. In very rare cases, you may even find mats in other unusual shapes. The shape of the mat can be used to draw the eye towards the centre of the artwork, with techniques such as bottom weighting or off-setting, which involve creating a larger bottom margin than the side and top margins. This technique takes advantage of the fact that when looking at an image, the eyes tend to centre higher up than the physical centre of the image.
In addition to the colour and shape of the mat, there are other important factors to consider. Firstly, it is essential to use an acid-free mat to avoid mat burn, which can cause brown marks to appear on the artwork over time. Secondly, the size of the mat should be considered, with small pieces often benefiting from a wider mat to give them more wall space, while larger artworks may look better with a narrower mat or no mat at all.
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Frequently asked questions
Matting is a technique used in framing pictures, paintings, photographs, or prints. It involves placing a thin piece of paper-based material, called a mat, between the picture and the frame. The mat is usually rectangular and has a rectangular opening, but it can also be found in other shapes and designs.
Matting serves two main purposes: protection and aesthetic appeal. The mat helps to separate the picture from the glass, preventing any condensation or water damage. It also enhances the visual appeal of the artwork by providing a border that directs the viewer's eyes towards the centre of the piece.
There are two main types of matting: French mats and V-Groove mats. French mats feature a line or panel drawn or painted on the mat to add decoration and draw attention to the centre of the artwork. V-Groove mats have a thin cut around the edge of the opening, revealing the core and serving a similar purpose to the French line.
When choosing a mat colour, it is important to consider the artwork and the surrounding wall colour. The mat should generally be lighter than the artwork but darker than the wall. Simple colours such as grey, white, and cream are often recommended, but the choice of colour can also depend on the dominant colours in the artwork.
