Adding Value to Your Art
While a simple single mat may be all you need to complement your art, you can add perceived value for your customers and give your art a fresh look with creative matting treatments. One caution: Too many different colors, styles, and textures in one small space will give a discordant feeling to the overall appearance of your exhibit. When you have decided on the "look" that best presents your style, use only subtle variations to create harmony for your different images.
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Multiple mats - These add to the richness of the presentation. The top (or outer) mat is usually neutral and cut to reveal 1/4" to 3/8" of the bottom (or inner) mat, which usually matches a dominant color in the art. Three and even four mats may be used to further create a distinctive appearance for your art.
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V-grooves - A closed V-groove is a narrow, shallow v-shaped cut in the mat that follows the shape of the image opening and is usually cut 1/2" to 1" from the opening and may be used with a single or double mat.
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An open V-groove is used in double mats and cut to reveal 1/4" to 3/8" of the bottom mat in addition to the reveal around the image.
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Fillets - This thin moulding on the inside of the mat, which may be wooden or plastic, adds richness and depth to your image.
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Reverse bevel - When a mat is used in combination with a fillet, the inside bevel is usually cut in reverse so that the inner edge of the mat opening fits close to the fillet with no bevel showing.
V-Grooves
Mats can be made using a base of one color with a thin cover using a contrasting or match color.
V-grooving takes advantage of this construction by cutting a thin v-groove in the surface allowing the contrasting underbase to show through.
Using this technique allows intricate patterns and designs to be carved into the face of the mat considerably enhancing its aesthetic value.
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Museum or conservation quality mats - Conservation quality is used for images that are originals, limited editions or otherwise rare and highly valued. All materials used are acid free. Conservation matting is, of course, more expensive than standard matboard, but the quality is evident.
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Specialty matboards - Suede, rice paper, corrugated, metallic foils, flannels and a wide variety of other specialty matboards may complement and add value to your particular style of art - experiment with these exciting possibilities before deciding on the best presentation for your image.
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Decorative corners - These are another way to create a unique look for your mats with little extra expense. See the many styles of designer corners available from TJ's.
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French line - A thin line around the opening, often hand-drawn in gold, placed 1/2" to 1" from the opening.
