Just curious --- how many shops out there use matboard from more than one company when doing a project? For example a triple mat with Crescent, Bainbridge, and TruVue boards? Any harm in mixing companies if the boards are of the same quality (acid values etc.)?
MATBOARD USE SURVEY
- Thread starter Jason
- Start date
Jason, I'd say you should mix-and-match all you want.
Framers used to sometimes use a decorative mat on top in c/p framing and "buffer" it with a better quality board underneath. We now know that this is unacceptable in c/p framing. If there is such a thing as a buffer, it's going to be glass or metal - not matboard.
Personally, I like the bevels to all match (e.g. all white) or at least match the mat surface (as in solid rag.) Other than that, I have no problem with a mat consisting of layers from different companies.
Framers used to sometimes use a decorative mat on top in c/p framing and "buffer" it with a better quality board underneath. We now know that this is unacceptable in c/p framing. If there is such a thing as a buffer, it's going to be glass or metal - not matboard.
Personally, I like the bevels to all match (e.g. all white) or at least match the mat surface (as in solid rag.) Other than that, I have no problem with a mat consisting of layers from different companies.
I often use a mix of all three. As long as the core is the same color (not white/cream mixed together). I do not however mix a regular matboard with the others. I am not sure why, I think it was just because someone at some time told me not to. But the paper mats I have are "buffered-pH neutral" so I am not sure if this matters either.
Hmmm....I don't think I have helped you. I think I am wondering what the acceptable procedure is as well!
Hmmm....I don't think I have helped you. I think I am wondering what the acceptable procedure is as well!
Sherry Lee
SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
Gosh, if mix/match wasn't 'ok', I'd be sunk! And so would the customer, for that matter!
If the cores don't match and the customer is 'hooked' on the mats, I offer reverse bevels.
If the cores don't match and the customer is 'hooked' on the mats, I offer reverse bevels.
Mecianne, "buffered-pH neutral" is pretty-much the entry level matboard these days. The buffering is not permanent and the boards eventually become acidic and discolored and may damage the art.
The alpha cellulose boards, which include, among others, AlphaMats, rag mats, Crescent Select, Artique and Crescent Rag have had any impurities permanently removed. They will not revert later on.
Many framers have chosen to carry these boards exclusively but you should, as a minimum, use them for matting items with real or potential monetary or sentimental value.
If the item has no monetary or sentimental value, why in the world would anyone go to the expense of framing it? I suppose there is a need for short-term, decorative framing on occasion, but I rarely have a customer tell me, "I need this to look good for a few years and then I plan to toss it."
The alpha cellulose boards, which include, among others, AlphaMats, rag mats, Crescent Select, Artique and Crescent Rag have had any impurities permanently removed. They will not revert later on.
Many framers have chosen to carry these boards exclusively but you should, as a minimum, use them for matting items with real or potential monetary or sentimental value.
If the item has no monetary or sentimental value, why in the world would anyone go to the expense of framing it? I suppose there is a need for short-term, decorative framing on occasion, but I rarely have a customer tell me, "I need this to look good for a few years and then I plan to toss it."
Bill Henry-
Brussel Sprout Connoisseur
I tend to agree with Mecianne in that it is okay to mix and match as long as you are not combining alphacellulose with paper. Although I confess having mixed black core with white once or twice.
But I generally don’t. Without any firm statistics, I feel that Crescent Rag is slightly thinner than Bainbridge Alpha, and the bevels don’t quite match in width. They look just a little “off” to me.
But I generally don’t. Without any firm statistics, I feel that Crescent Rag is slightly thinner than Bainbridge Alpha, and the bevels don’t quite match in width. They look just a little “off” to me.
"'If the item has no monetary or sentimental value, why in the world would anyone go to the expense of framing it? I suppose there is a need for short-term, decorative framing on occasion, but I rarely have a customer tell me, "I need this to look good for a few years and then I plan to toss it.'"
I totally agree with you, Ron. In the beginning I put the paper mat samples underneath the design counter: out of sight & out of mind. My husband pulled them back out one day searching for a cheaper way to do an inexpensive poster. The thing is, should I just trash these samples and forget about decorative "paper" mats? It saves about three bucks my cost to use paper, but I don't like to and rarely ever have.
I have the attitude as well that if you are bringing something to my shop to have framed, then you obviously don't want dollar store quality products. So, why & in what circumstance would I use a paper mat at all?
Oh....and Bill, you are right about being a little off. (Not you...the Alpha v/s Rags!)
Although I am ALWAYS a little off!
I totally agree with you, Ron. In the beginning I put the paper mat samples underneath the design counter: out of sight & out of mind. My husband pulled them back out one day searching for a cheaper way to do an inexpensive poster. The thing is, should I just trash these samples and forget about decorative "paper" mats? It saves about three bucks my cost to use paper, but I don't like to and rarely ever have.
I have the attitude as well that if you are bringing something to my shop to have framed, then you obviously don't want dollar store quality products. So, why & in what circumstance would I use a paper mat at all?
Oh....and Bill, you are right about being a little off. (Not you...the Alpha v/s Rags!)
Although I am ALWAYS a little off!