Bainbridge's new TopMat Boards

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MerpsMom

MerpsMom

SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
Founding Member
Joined
Jul 30, 1997
Posts
4,248
Loc
Leawood, Kansas USA
Has anyone's supplier begun stocking these? I know we'll see them this weekend, but wondered about specs and all that. My locals don't have any info yet. With a name like UltraThick, they must be at least 8 ply? Sounds interesting with all the colors and sizes.
 
I'm an education consultant for Bainbrdige so I got to see these boards awhile back. They are made a little different in that they aren't two 4 plys put together, they are a solid board that is about equivalent to a 7 ply. I designed a couple of pieces with them for Atlanta and they cut really well. You put the blade out just far enough to go through, but because of the way they're made, you don't have to score and then cut through. One cut does it and no hooks. (The guy told me they would cut really well, but I admit I was skeptical, oh sure, I said, but they do.) I really like them a lot. They give the deep look but not the trouble cutting. I used a very sharp blade.

They are made for preservation framing and have Artcare. Mostly neutral colors right now and they all come 40 x 60.

Remember I am a consultant for Bainbridge so don't misunderstand this post, however, I'm also a framer, have tried them and wanted to answer your questions.

Nona Powers, CPF, GCF
 
Thanx, Nona. I'm really anxious to see them as I have a project they'd be good for. Next issue is when BB will be distributing to the suppliers. Quite often, the board/moulding companies love to tease us with new stuff but don't get them out quickly. Hate that.
 
I got my samples last week from Bainbridge and they look good. They came in bevel cut - unlike the 8-ply - so they're ready-to-show. Good colors - all neutrals.

They're in the new L-J price list which went into effect yesterday.
 
Nona, I was wondering if these 7plys are a response to so many computer mat cutters unable to cut 8ply thicknesses with ease. We still cut all mats the old fashioned way and get a great cut on 8ply boards every time. We have spoken with another manufacturer about providing 10 and 12 plys. I hope NB doesn't discontinue nor neglect 8ply additions in the future. Maybe you know someone who may have an inside scoop.
 
I have no problem cutting the existing Bainbridge 8-ply in one pass. Besides the fact they are all available in 40x60 and they are not two 4-ply's laminated together, how do they differ in color. Do they overlap the existing Rag and Alphamat colors?

I am definitely looking forward to a better selection of over-sized 8-ply, but there are so many neutrals now, it’s getting hard to tell some of them apart!
 
It doesn't look like Bainbridge is abandoning the 8-ply boards. There were a couple of new ones in the sample set I received.

The new Top Mats are all Alphamats (not Alpharags) in neutral tones like Fairfield White, Wheat, Talc, Ivory Black, etc plus two "sable core" boards. There are 16 of them and they are roughly half the cost of the 8-ply Alpharags.
 
Whoa. How come they're half the cost? If that's true, that would make them extremely attractive as a true design feature. The cost estimate is a real surprise to me. (Now...how come Bainbridge summarily dropped me from their direct ship list? I'm a nice person, use their products, smile a lot. What's the deal?
)
 
Out here in the west coast I had no trouble getting a few sheets the day after my samples arrived. We were VERY happy with the cutting.
 
MerpsMom: Contact New West in Kansas City and have them get you back on the list. 1-800-445-2501 ask for Chris Thompson. I'm not sure why you would have fallen off. I've had a few customers that stopped getting the automatic updates but no explanation as to why. When I added them back in they started getting the updates again.
 
It's Deja Vu all over again...
Didn't Bainbridge have a product called "Double Thick" in their Alphamat line a while back? The new "Top Mats" are giving me flashbacks.
Nona, Help! Are these really a "new" product, or a repackaging/reissue of a previously discontinued product? Not that it matters...it's still pretty nice, and will save me having to laminate boards together.
Oh, not to be argumentative, but I can see a distinct line in the middle of the bevel. If this is not a product fabricated by bonding two thinner sheets together, how is it done, and how did they get that nifty line in the middle of the bevel? I see it on the samples, and on the promo piece in the little glassine envelope.
 
Hey Cathie!! Thanks for the great compliment. To all of you wondering...I'm ordering the N&B fall 2002 additions on the 26th. So...you'll see them at New West October 3rd or so. Sorry for the delay, but I didn't think they were going to jump the gun and hand them out before Atlanta. Happy framing to all!!!
 
Just had my NB rep in. The boards look nice. Did you know there is a $3 rebate up to $75. Now thats nice.
 
Wow, I didn't know NW's Angie was on with us! And that's the truth, so you know I meant every word......... :D :D Looking forward to those boards, Angie, but won't hold you to it.
 
Ok, now I'm a little confused. It doesn't take much.

I called Don Mar and they sent me at no charge the new TopMat UltraThicks'. The set came with 16 Alphamats and a few 8-ply Rags. No new colors, just more available Double Thick and all available 40 x 60. That's great, It's about time. I love them.

I have always noticed that the thicker mats varied in thickness a little. I guess this probably clears that question up for me.

Maybe someone can clarify it for me.

Does this mean that the Alphamat Double Thicks' were always 7 ply, and that is why they did not call them 8-ply? The rags are still called 8-ply!
Did they just change the name from Double Thick to TopMat Ultra Thick and expand the selection, or are the Double Thick actually 8-ply and are still available. That would seem pretty stupid too me, but it would not be the first time.

Do I have to go dumpster diving to get my old Double Thicks' back? Where is my Unseal? :confused:
 
OOp's I blew it. It is two ply's laminated together. The big differnce is it's a purified wood pulp product and therefore less expensive than an all cotton. You get the deep look, pay less for it and it's easy to cut. I need to check my FACTS better. Oops, sorry, that word just slips out!!

Nona Powers, CPF, GCF
www.nonapowers.com
Just back from Atlanta and I didn't even get to see the show at all. Nothing outside the NB booth, the educztors rooms and meetings. Lots of meetings. At least I came away walking on air. I asked during the meeting Sunday morning for a vote, so Jay asked for a show of hands from the manufactures, I told them I had to report back to all the Grumblers and HHer's and the vote was YES, with a smile. Feet didn't hit the floor for several hours after.
 
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