Art students are often expected to professionally display their work at school exhibitions and gallery shows. Showing your paintings and photographs in custom frames and mat boards will make the pieces more presentable, demonstrating you take pride in your art. When choosing mat boards to present your work on, follow the advice below. 

How to Find the Right Mat Board

1. Color

The mat board serves as the border between the artwork and the custom frame. To keep the focus on that art, choose eggshell, beige, or another neutral color. Choosing a subtle tone can make it easier for prospective buyers to incorporate a piece in their interior design. To make the artwork more dramatic, try an eye-catching color for the mat board that’s found in the piece or layer two boards in contrasting hues.

2. Size

For a snug fit, the outer mat board should have the same dimensions as the custom frame. For the opening, or the exposed part of the mat that creates the border, a thicker width offers more white space, drawing attention to the piece. Choose a thinner width for larger pieces to keep the size of the overall object manageable. 

3. Material

Keep the sentimental value of your work in mind when choosing a mat material. If you want to preserve these pieces for years to come, stay away from wood-based papers that contain lignin. This polymer is used to hold the wood particles together and can break down when exposed to heat and humidity. When this happens, lignin produces an acid that could damage the artwork. To preserve your pieces, choose conservation matting. Made from cotton, it is lignin- and acid-free.

To ensure the mat boards are measured and cut to your exact specifications, enlist the professionals at Seattle Custom Framing. Serving art students in the Seattle, WA, area, the staff is skilled at mat cutting and uses conservation materials to prevent acid burns and yellowing. They will also create custom frames to display your artwork and provide frame repair if needed. To discuss your custom picture framing needs, call (206) 838-7908. See the team’s work on their website.