Why matboards are far more than just a ‘bit of cardboard’

Following on from last week’s post about choosing the right frame, I wanted to discuss the important role that proper matboards play within the overall framing design and why they are far more than ‘just a bit of cardboard.’

Why are matboards so important?

Matboards are an integral part of any framing design. They provide protection and support for your artwork especially if they are of conservation quality. Their functional role cannot be understated, especially on valuable works of art that require material preservation. Using matboards made from conservation grade materials like alpha-cellulose or cotton provides a benign environment and ensures that no other destructive elements can further deteriorate the paper. They also create a space between the artwork and the glass to ensure that moisture doesn’t develop and adhere to the artwork over time.

How important are they to successful design?

Matboards are an opportunity to pick up colours from the artwork or photo and extend them into the framing. However there are some considerations around what colours and how to pick them up in the matting.

When choosing mat colours these 3 things are critical to a cohesive and successful framing design.

• COLOUR – Pick out the main colour for the top mat, which will be the biggest amount of colour visible around the artwork. If you are adding a second matboard then choose a darker colour that can help sharpen the viewing of the artwork. If picking up a dominant colour isn’t going to work then go neutral, but make sure it’s a neutral tone that connects to one in the artwork.

• PROPORTION – Ensure that you use the colours in the same amount as they appear in the artwork. Use appropriate border widths that match the size of the subject matter.

• BALANCE – Create equal top and side borders, appropriately weighting the bottom border to avoid that ‘narrow bottom border’ optical illusion.

What do good and bad examples look like?