Tips to save money and present your artwork most effectively.

1.  Try to use standard size matting which include 5X7, 8X10, 9X12, 11X14, 12X16, 14X18, 16X20, 18X24, 20X24, 22X28 and 24X30, 24X36.  The reason standard size is a good option is not only the better availability of mats in these sizes but also the ease of finding a standard frame for the work.  This could save the high cost of custom framing.

2.  Not standard size - be creative.  The following is one of my favorite matting presentations which I have done for several of my ebay customers.  The image is a square, lets say 4X4 inches which doesn't seem to fit in any standard mat.  It actually works very well - again my favorite presentation.  I would recommend an 8X10 mat and set the image so the is about 2 1/4 inches of matting on the two sides and top with 4 1/4 inches of matting on the bottom.  Like the effect - you can go even with a larger mat.

3.  Fit the matting materials to the artwork or photography.  Spend your money wisely.  If you are dealing with original artwork - make sure the matboard being used is at least acid-free.  Really want to project a first-class image to protect more valuable art then look at Museum grade matting.  Use the following as a way to match your project to the correct matting materials:

4.  AVOID at ALL COSTS:  Backing your artwork with either cardboard backs or chipboard.  These backings are full of acids that will discolor your artwork or photo over time.  They absord moisture and will pass it on to the artwork as well.  Corrugated cardboard may also add ripples to the art as well.  Although this is initially a cheaper way to finish a matting project in the long run it is very damaging.  As an artist selling work you also want to demonstrate that you are professional in all aspects of your art.

5.  Keep the matting simple.  The attraction is the artwork inside the mat.  Matting's main purpose is to protect the artwork by covering it and when the art is behind glass to create an air space from the art to the glass so that minor condensation that develops behind glass would not impact the art.  Over time we have gotten more colors in even museum quality matboard so our options have grown.  I always recommend - keep the focus on the art.  Good matting should almost be unnoticed.  This obviously will save you a lot of expense.

6.  Can't make standard size work!  I had an artist tell me years ago that her favorite subject to paint was the Hudson River and it is long and narrow so all her painting were long and narrow.  Couldn't argue with that.  You still may want to consider matting in sizes that might best accomodate metal frame sections such as made by Neilsen and available at better framing centers.  With sectionals you buy a pair of frame sections that cover two sides.  So if your matted work is 16X30 you would get one pair of 16 and one pair of 30 inch scetionals.  The metal frame assembles very well with the assembly hardware provided and the arwork and glass slip in.  So this is a terrific option if you are far off standard size.  When planning you may want to still keep in mind standard size because the are more apt to have those lengths in stock.  So for example in the 16X30 example I just used, if it was an choice between making the matting 15 X29 or 16X30 - the large size works because both 16 and 30 are lengths in the list of standard sizes.

This is a start.  I hope it helps you think about matting and framing a bit more.  Questions?  Let me know.  Other suggestions - I'll consider them and add to this page.

                                                                Bernie