Unique Matting Options for Custom Framing

A basic custom framing package is made of matting, molding, and glazing. That is by no means all that can be done in custom framing. Here are some more unique options when designing your custom framing package.

Mat Openings

A basic custom framing job features a rectangular opening. Your piece is centered underneath and looks very traditional.

You could choose a different shaped opening for your matting window. A common choice is an oval opening for a portrait. But there are many other varieties to choose from. Here are a few possible options for mat openings and what types of custom framing jobs they may be appropriate for:

Offset mats, where the corners are offset by squares that go into the piece, are a nice match for diplomas, art deco styles, and Native American art.

Eight-Sided mats, where each corner is cut on an angle into the side of the mats, work well with simple needlepoint projects.

Photo-Corner mats, basically eight sided mats with points in the middle of the angled sides, are perfect for still life photography.

Kobe Corner mats, which look like eight sided mats with circles instead of angles, are great for block prints, embossed art, and natural themes.

Arch mats, rectangular mats with rounded tops, are a nice touch on old fashioned, character based pieces.

Each frame shop will offer different custom framing mat openings. Ask them what they specifically offer and see if they can even customize a one of a kind mat opening for you.

Specialty Mat Cuts and Designs

A traditional custom framing mat has a visible white bevel right up against the image. There are many other options for these and other cuts with your custom matting.

Reverse Bevels hide the white core of a mat. This can help blend the matting into the frame package.

V-Grooves are decorative lines carved into the surface of a mat. They can be used to mimic design elements in a piece.

Spliced mats are two or more mats combined into one solid surface. They work great for incorporating school colors into a custom framed diploma.

Applique mats are strips of mat board adhered to a solid mat to add dimension to a piece. These work well in shadow boxes to compliment the larger objects.

Multiple Opening are used to show many individual objects in one frame. This is normally used for a series of connected photographs.

Title Cuts are separate openings used to display the title. These are perfect for museum prints when you don't want a white boarder all the way around the piece.

French Matting is not a cutting process. The custom framer hand draws a pattern onto the mat. Then he uses a natural pigment derived color wash to shade in the pattern. It can add a level of sophistication to any document.

Fillets are thin molding inserts that go inside of the mat opening. They can be used to create a cohesive framing package by matching the frame.

Every frame shop will offer different specialty services. Ask your custom framer what services are available at your shop.

Specialty Mounts

Most custom framing jobs will attach the piece directly to a backing board and lay the mat on top. This does not have to be the case for every job.

Float mounts raise your piece above a solid backing board, creating a shadow. An additional mat is used to accent the piece. This is a fun idea for invitations and cards. It can also work well for a smaller collection of various photos or paper pieces.

Float mats raise the top mat above the piece and backing board. It adds a great level of dimension and helps draw the eye to a unique piece. Try using a float mat when you have to see all of a piece, or your piece is an unusual shape. Float mats complement sewn fabric pieces nicely.

Sink mats hold your piece in place with many layers of matting and nothing else. A top mat will hold the item in place by covering the edges. This is a great option for framed books and magazines so no adhesive comes in contact with the pieces.

Cove mats create a cave effect around an object. The matting is raised on the outside edges and actually comes downward toward the framed piece. Try using cove mats for dimensional objects or to add a bit of sophistication to paper art.

Every frame shop will be able to offer different options for specialty mounts. Ask your custom framer what options are available to you.

Fabric Mats

All matting has some layer of paper or paper-like material. However, it is possible to use fabric to enhance a piece.

Many manufacturers offer pre-made fabric mats in linen, canvas, and suede varieties. Most frame shops will have some form of fabric mats for your design.

It is possible to have a custom made fabric mat. The framer will use a wet mounting method to create a custom fabric mat out of any conservation quality fabric.

Ask your framer about what they can offer you with fabric mats.

Conclusion

It would be an impossible task to list every possible framing option. Every frame shop will have their own specialties and methods for framing. Keep your mind open to a more unique framing experience to truly make your piece seem special.