FRAMING ARTWORK

There are four fundamental elements involved in the composition of the frame; the frame itself; the coloured mat board; the backing material; and the glass.

The Frame There are limitless types of frames with boundless option combination. The best frames are either wooden or metal. There are several styles of frames, from traditional with highly ornamental mouldings, to rustic, pastoral, ethnic, industrial and modern.

The Mat Board The mat board is placed between the glass and the artwork and creates a boarder, which allows for the visual presentation, structural support, air circulation and space for expansion for the art. The style and colour of the mat board can either make or break your composition. It is a difficult process to get right if you are a novice.

The mat board is made either from wood pulp that is acid or cotton that is acid free. The mat board is available in several grades offering varying degrees of longevity for the art. The pH-value or acidity level of the grade of board determines the degree longevity. There are grades of mat board: Decorative which lasts for _ ve to seven years; Select, which is suitable for basic conservation framing, and Ragmat, used for conservation framing and is the most expensive.

There is no limit to the number of mat boards which can be used in one frame nor is there a rule to use mat boards at all. I think one to three mat boards is a good average if you choose to incorporate it into the frame.

Mat boards are available in over 300 colours, even metallic. The colour of the mat board has to enhance but not distract from the art.

Choosing the mat board has to be based on: • The artwork- colours based on the style of art, colour, texture and subject matter.

• The background- how it co-ordinates with the surroundings • Personal preferences- your favourite colours.

Mounting Board The art is attached to the mounting board at the back of the frame. Avoid using cardboard for mounting artwork because it is very acidic and will yellow the artwork.

There are three types of mountain board: • Standard 1/8 inch foam core, • Totally acid mounting board can be used for framing artwork which can be preserved for many years, • Self-adhesive foam board which is best for posters and digital pictures.

The Glazing Glazing protects everything in the frame, but you can leave it out altogether. However, without it the artwork will be exposed to humidity and temperature changes.

There are five glazing types • Standard framing quality acrylic f-or the average framing job.

• Anti-glare -reduces glare from daylight and light bulbs.

• Ultra violet reducing glazing -bars UV rays from penetrating the glazing.

• Combined anti-glare and ultra violet reducing glazing • Museum glass- The glass blocks UV light, has the best viewing controls as it blocks re_ ections from bouncing off the glass, provides the highest brightness and contrast levels available