What Benefit comes from Matting? When a client is looking for an economical solution to preserving their memories, invariably it's the mat that is the first thing that suffers. But there are really several reasons why you should consider having a mat cut when having your artwork framed: PRESENTATION Aesthetically, it provides a visual buffer between the frame, which can sometimes be very elaborate, and your image. This will keep them from competing for your attention. It's presence will also serve to enhance and, if necessary, dress up what you've chosen to preserve. CONSERVATION Matting does a great deal to protect your artwork from a number of factors that would degrade and discolor. Without it, UV light, pressure and humidity built up underneath the glass can serve to transfer the paint and/or pigment of the art onto the glass. At worst, the artwork adheres to the glass, and it's removal almost invariably will result in some level of tearing. Most wood frame mouldings carry varying degrees of natural acidity and chemicals as well. A distance of at least 3 inches is generally agreed amongst art conservators to be sufficient to keep prints and paintings from yellowing from direct contact with frames; an elegant mat hides this distance while maintaining the eye-pleasing presentation you're striving for. Conservation Glass - SPF for your Art As picture framers it is our pleasure to display your artwork at it’s finest. It is also our responsibility to protect your art, to the best of our abilities, while it is hanging in your home. We achieve this by using conservation quality framing materials and one of the most important of these is the glass. We are all familiar with the dangers of ultraviolet light rays to organic materials. Exposure to UV light causes organic material to break down. This is visible in the form of fading colour, and embrittlement and yellowing of artwork. These effects, once started, are cumulative and irreversible. QUICK HINTS The best way to preserve your art is to protect it from exposure to UV light from the outset. We also recommend that you keep your artwork away from direct sunlight or fluorescent light. Use one of the following types of glass when framing your art or keepsakes. The 3 types of glass that we recommend: Conservation Clear: Our picture framing standard 98% UV protection Looks like regular clear glass Conservation Reflection Control: Single sided etched non-glare 98% UV protection Diffuses the glare, like regular non-glare Museum Glass: Supreme anti-reflective technology 99% UV protection Clear glass with anti-glare coatings Conservation Glass - SPF for your Art As picture framers it is our pleasure to display your artwork at it’s finest. It is also our responsibility to protect your art, to the best of our abilities, while it is hanging in your home. We achieve this by using conservation quality framing materials and one of the most important of these is the glass. We are all familiar with the dangers of ultraviolet light rays to organic materials. Exposure to UV light causes organic material to break down. This is visible in the form of fading colour, and embrittlement and yellowing of artwork. These effects, once started, are cumulative and irreversible. QUICK HINTS The best way to preserve your art is to protect it from exposure to UV light from the outset. We also recommend that you keep your artwork away from direct sunlight or fluorescent light. Use one of the following types of glass when framing your art or keepsakes. The 3 types of glass that we recommend: Conservation Clear: Our picture framing standard 98% UV protection Looks like regular clear glass Conservation Reflection Control: Single sided etched non-glare 98% UV protection Diffuses the glare, like regular non-glare Museum Glass: Supreme anti-reflective technology 99% UV protection Clear glass with anti-glare coatings Back to Top