Pointers and Suggestions to Consider When Framing and Matting Artwork

Artwork hung on a wall should have a mat around the work. If you have a printed matter or a photograph that you are considering framing and mating. Here are a few good pointers to consider during the process.

However good the work might be, it isn't finished until it is framed and matted. The first thing the viewer sees is the professionalism in which the art is being presented.

Use the best materials you can afford. There are archival materials and these tend to cost the most. Rag or acid free materials are considered the best and most stable. Cheaper materials can discolor and stain your artwork. Materials that should be avoided are cellophane tape, masking tape, white glues, ballpoint pen and water-soluble markers. If your art piece is expensive, you want to use the same quality materials to protect it. This speaks to the respect for the work and how you want others to view it.

The mat and frame should be of a substantial size. This not only protects the work but also introduces the piece to the wall and demands space and attention. If you have ever seen a work of art with minimal matting, you know what I am discussing here. Again, this speaks to the respect for the work and how you want others to view it. Here are a few suggested sizes:

Artwork Mat Board size

5 x 7 8 x 10
8 x 12
10 x 12

8 x 10 11 x 14
12 x 15
12 x 16
11 x 14 14 x 17
14 x 18
16 x 20

Note: the artwork can be a nonstandard size but the frame and mat are typically a standard size as given in the example above. In most cases, small art work with a large mat and frame, gain a dramatic feel and demands importance.

Colored mat boards and decorative frames have their place. And there is place is to make money for the person selling them, not to add to your artwork. The artwork needs to stand on it's own visually. Frames and matting should not take away from or be visually fancier than the work itself. Framing stores carry a wealth of mounting boards in a variety of colors. Keep in mind - their position is to make money! Fancy cuts, layering, vivid colors and specialty surfaces are all available for a price. Many times the framing and matting is nicer than the art. Suggested colors would be white, off white, cream, tan, light grey, basically anything neutral. We are not matting your work to match your couch! We are matting fine art work for presentation, framing and protection.