Opinions Wanted Larson Juhl Artique conservation mats

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Modigity

Modigity

CGF II, Certified Grumble Framer Level 2
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Aug 25, 2009
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Heya people I usually use only Crescent mat boards in my framing but was wondering has anybody used the Larson Juhl brand conservation mat boards just wanted to see how they compare.
 
Sorry, compare in what way?

They meet all conservation standards.
I have no problem cutting them, or any issues, any different than any other conservation board.

Is that what you were asking?
 
I agree with the responses about Artique mats .... I only wish they made more rag mats ...(hint-hint, LJ..???)

They have the quality (very few icebergs) and the price point .... could be missing an opportunity here, LJ.....
 
In my eight years of dealing with matboard, I find that I really like Artique--I love the sturdiness of it, and of all the matboards we deal with here (Artique, Crescent, Bainbridge, Peterboro and Rising) I haven't had an issue with the product (with the exception of one sheet of 4977 when they first came out with the colour delaminating, but that was it.)

They cut clean, they're sturdy, and they're consistent. And they've only had one discontinued colour in five years. :D
 
Mitre said:
I only wish they made more rag mats
Click to expand...

Why?

What would a rag mat do for you that the current Artique line does not?

Am I missing something?
 
Rob Markoff said:
Why?

What would a rag mat do for you that the current Artique line does not?

Am I missing something?
Click to expand...

I took the statement to mean more "solid cores." The Artique Alpha-cellulose 8-plys and the Biltmore (I think?) 4-plys are all solid cores and are sometimes confused with the solid core Rags.
 
In answer to your original question, the Artique boards compare most directly with the Crescent Selects line. They are both alpha-cellulose boards, both meet conservation standards, and both are priced lower than the Crescent RagMat line. As has been mentioned, Artique boards are a bit more rigid, but both cut equally well on manual or CMC. Artique has some interesting subtly textured surfaces and "earthier" versions of colors unlike those found in other lines.
:cool: Rick
 
The Artique are conservation-quality at a much lower price point than the Crescents and the Bainbridge. Let's say you charge the same amount for a mat, regardless of brand. If you are selling the Artique, your profit margin is much better than Crescent and Bainbridge. In tough times, you need something like that. You might even consider charging 10% less for the Artique, your customers will feel like you are giving them a break, and you still make more money.

I also used the Artique as my in-house mounting board for most conservation projects.
 
Yes, Cliff, that's exactly what I meant.

Call me antiquated, but when I think of Rag Mats, I think of "solid core".


Artiques' mats ring my bell and I'd love to see them step into the silly fray created by Crescent and Bainbridge. Their quality is just fine; their prices are even better; now, let's see some rags ....oops, I mean "solid cores" for you youngsters.
 
I use crescent, bainbridge and artique. Artique are good. Early on (when they first came out)there was some color variation but they seem to be good now. I love the packs of 40x60 and keep them stocked in some basics. I will add the finish on the Onyx black is great and I use that one alot.
 
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I have Crescent, Bainbridge and Artique available. I stocked the Artique line for many years but recently shifted to Bainbridge primarily because of the zeolite technology. Yes, Bainbridge is more money and yes the Artique cuts nicely but Alpha celulose with zeolites seems a step up from just acid free.
 
My favs! Unfortunately I cannot get them (HB'd) but loved using them when I worked in a store. Cuts were sharp/cleaner, much less flawed boards and I loved the shades/hues. Most always used for B & W's and lithographs. There are, I think, 5 boards that I love so much I pay retail for, through a nearby frameshop.
 
We too use Artique, as well as Bainbridge; but, Artique is our primary go to mat. We like the sudtle, earthtone colors. If we feel a bolder color is needed, we will move to Bainbridge (hint, hint, wink, wink, nug, nug, know what I mean LJ). We also like the way Artique handles and cuts. Have only had one or two mfg'r quality issues the years we been using Artique(color flaw/layer glue adhesion). But, then, we've had that happen with Bainbridge too. We highly recommend Artique

............now let's get a:beer: It's gotta be 5 O'clock somewhere
 
Me too. I like how "tough" the Artique boards are compared to the softness of Bainbridge and the Crescent ragmats (1500/1600 series). When we first switched to Artique we were sold on the colours. Not too particular about the 4ply solids but we use a lot of the 8ply solid colour mats and would like to see more colours in the 8ply range.

Mike
 
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