It is difficult to say in words all the ways matting can be used to protect and enhance a framed item. But, there are several basic techniques I will attempt to describe.
1) A V-GROOVE is a simple looking but elegant way of breaking up the extended field of a mat. It is where a groove is cut into the mat to expose the core of the mat board. It is most effective with WHITE CORE mats, COLOR CORE mats, and BLACK CORE mats.
2) An inlay mat is similar in look to a painted mat. It is where the field of a mat is interrupted by one or more other mats in the same plane rather than in layers. It is a wonderful way of introducing a color or texture without adding depth or bevels to the mat opening.
3) Corner cuts or notched mats are fancy ways of breaking up a mat's corners. It is where the top mat corner is removed to show a bottom mat color, or where the bottom mat extends into the art. It can add excitement to many styles of art.
4) Designs cut into the mat can be a dramatic and fun way of enhancing a framed piece. There is no end to the variety of geometric shapes that can be included in a mat's design. (example)
5) Multiple mats are the most common way of highlighting a picture. With 2 or more mats a sense of depth and focus can be achieved to enhance or bring to prominence an item or color found in the work.
6) Spacers can be used to add greater depth to any framed item. Spacers can be used to separate the work from the glass, or to separate each mat, or to separate the mat from what's being framed, or any combination of the above. It usually requires a reverse (deep) moulding.
7) Fillets are perhaps the most elegant way of showing off a picture. It is essentially a frame applied to the opening of a mat. Therefore, you would have a frame within a frame. It offers a great sense of style and flair whenever it's used. It's very effective with fabric mats.
There are certainly
many more "creative matting" techniques available. It is
the job of the framer to discuss with the client, the goal
and vision the client has for each item in order to
determine which technique to use. Here at FRAME FARM, with
33 years of experience we feel especially qualified to help
with the decision making and then to follow through with
precisely the look you want hanging on your wall.
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