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Framed Art FAQs
And Specifications
What types of matboards are available?
We offer four types of matboards with our framed art: (1) whitecore, (2) premium whitecore, (3) rag, and (4) 8 ply.
What are the differences between the types of matboards?
Whitecore matboards are non-conservation matboards, which provide the aesthetic and design benefits of a bright-white bevel. Whitecore matboards are composed of decorative facing papers, stay-white core and backing, and a surface, core and backing paper buffered with calcium carbonate to alkaline reserve of 3-5%. Whitecore matboards are recommended for decorative framing and general presentations, open end reproductions, and posters and decorative art.
Premium whitecore matboards have the same specifications and uses as the whitecore matboards. However, premium whitecore matboards offer more design options and a much wider selection of surface colors to choose from.
Rag matboards are made from conservation grade surface papers for optimum bleed and fade resistance. Rag matboards are made with 100% cotton fibers that are naturally acid-free and lignin-free. Cotton is naturally free of chemicals and pollutants that can degrade or harm artwork. Cotton is an annually renewable resource that reduces the amount of trees used to make mounting and matting boards. In addition, cotton fiber is processed without harsh chemicals or additives, making it superior to bleached, chemically processed woodpulp that is used to produce other conservation boards. Rag matboards are recommended for fine art prints, limited editions, valuable documents and photographs, and heirloom needle art.
Lastly, 8 ply matboards are also made from 100% cotton, conservation grade papers. 8 ply matboards are acid-free, lignin-free, extra-rigid, and have a solid color throughout. 8 ply matboards provide optimum archival protection for fine works of art on paper. 8 ply matboards are recommended for valuable original works of art, rare and antique documents, and items of historical importance.
What types of frames are available?
We offer five basic types of frames: (1) solid wood, (2) composite wood, (3) polystyrene, (4) metal, and (5) float. Frames are a major price component when designing art pieces. Changing the type and profile of your frame can have a major impact on the price of the piece.
Generally speaking, solid wood frames are the most expensive. Composite wood frames offer a nice less expensive alternative to solid wood. Our composite wood frames are perfectly engineered with a very smooth, fine-textured surface. It looks like wood, cuts like wood, joins like wood, and readily accepts nails and hangers.
Polystyrene frames are made from polystyrene, which is a versatile plastic that can be rigid or foamed. In its solid form, polystyrene is one of the denser plastics and is used for a wide range of moulded frames. Polystyrene frames are durable, lightweight, and cost less than the same look in wood or composite wood.
Our metal frames are made from aluminum and are typically thinner than the other frame types. The largest commonly used size is approximately 1 3/8”. However, metal frames do offer a clean look and exceptional durability.
Lastly, float
frames give a unique appearance to the artwork because the artwork looks as if
it is floating inside the frame.
Specifications
Acrylic:
- Clear acrylic is a general-purpose glazing for indoor framing.
- Works well in any controlled lighting environment
- Ideal for large pieces where the weight of glass would be excessive or some shatter resistance is needed.
- Allows 92% light transmission
- Blocks 66% of UV light (not conservation grade)
- 8% light reflection
Non-glare acrylic:
- This acrylic product has a matte-like finish that scatters light to reduce unwanted glare.
- Ideal for uses where unwanted reflection may impact the viewing of the art and some shatter resistance is desired.
- Use on any framing project with up to two mats without significant resolution loss.
- Allows 92% light transmission
- Blocks 66% of UV light
- 8% scattered light reflection
Glass:
- Clear glass works well in a controlled lighting environment.
- Ideal where high visibility and clarity are desired.
- Can be used with any number of mats
- 2.5 mm thickness
- Allows over 90% light transmission
- Blocks 45% of UV light (not conservation grade)
- Less than 8% light reflection
Non-glare glass:
- Non-glare glass has a matte-like finish that scatters light to minimize unwanted glare.
- Ideal for uses where unwanted glare and reflection may impact the viewing of the art.
- The surface of non-glare glass has micro etches that may reduce clarity in addition to glare.
- Use on any framing project with up to two mats without significant resolution loss.
- 2.5 mm thickness
- Allows 89% light transmission
- Blocks 45% of UV light (not conservation grade)
- 8% scattered light reflection
- This premier glass product provides the lowest possible reflection rating available with UV protection.
- Virtually invisible glazing that will enhance colors, brightness, and contrast levels of all types of artwork.
- Ideal uses include:
o Protecting valued diplomas or irreplaceable artwork against damage and fading caused by UV light
o Framing applications such as shadow boxes, multiple mat or deep framing projects
- 2.5 mm thickness
- Over 97% light transmission
- Blocks at least 97% of UV light (conservation grade)
- Less than 1% light reflection
