There's more to your wooden photo frames than simply that frame -- there is also the mat board, upon which your picture will sit. As always, there are pros and cons to any of the three mat board types you can pick. By looking a little deeper into each, you can decide which one will perform best.
High Acid, No Longevity: Paper Matboard
Thanks to its wood pulp, paper matboarding has a high acid level. Most businesses will tell you their paper matboard is somehow acid free, but that's impossible whenever there's any quantity of wood pulp present. What these companies do is buffer the surface of their mat boarding, which reduces the acid levels for a time. In five years, that acid level will be through the roof once more -- this means that unless you don't mind risking serious damage to your paintings, it's best to use these matboards temporarily.
The best part about paper matboard is its low price.
Purified and Permanent: Cotton Rag Matboard
If you're looking for something to keep great paintings perfect for the long haul, then cotton rag is what you need. The colors of the matboard are limited due to being acid and lignin free, but this is also what keeps the pH levels so low. Cotton rag matboard is essentially a bunch of layered cotton boards, which creates a nice and thick base, and since it's dyed it looks like one piece.
The cotton rag matboard provides great security, but it's not cheap. Two paper matboards could be purchased in the place of one cotton rag matboard. Do you want to store your paintings permanently, or is the price enough to make you accept having to purchase a new paper matboard every few years?
Somewhere In Between: Alpha Cellulose Matboard
The alpha cellulose matboard is made from acid free wooden fibers, thanks to a generous dose of chemicals. These matboards are also much more stable and are good for archiving paintings you want to keep around for an extended period of time.
Alpha cellulose matboards are a pleasant middle ground between the paper and the cotton in that they are inexpensive but store well, and are suitable for archiving but not as perfect as the cotton rag.
How To Use This Knowledge
It's time to consider how much money you're willing to spend to preserve the art you own. If you're displaying art from a budget store, it's understandable that you go with a paper matboard for the cheap price tag.
If you'd rather archive a piece that means a lot to you, that inspires you, then alpha cellulose or cotton rag matboard will handle the job. Though you'll be spending more cash, over time that extra money will pay off in the form of an intact, gorgeous piece of art. - 33381
High Acid, No Longevity: Paper Matboard
Thanks to its wood pulp, paper matboarding has a high acid level. Most businesses will tell you their paper matboard is somehow acid free, but that's impossible whenever there's any quantity of wood pulp present. What these companies do is buffer the surface of their mat boarding, which reduces the acid levels for a time. In five years, that acid level will be through the roof once more -- this means that unless you don't mind risking serious damage to your paintings, it's best to use these matboards temporarily.
The best part about paper matboard is its low price.
Purified and Permanent: Cotton Rag Matboard
If you're looking for something to keep great paintings perfect for the long haul, then cotton rag is what you need. The colors of the matboard are limited due to being acid and lignin free, but this is also what keeps the pH levels so low. Cotton rag matboard is essentially a bunch of layered cotton boards, which creates a nice and thick base, and since it's dyed it looks like one piece.
The cotton rag matboard provides great security, but it's not cheap. Two paper matboards could be purchased in the place of one cotton rag matboard. Do you want to store your paintings permanently, or is the price enough to make you accept having to purchase a new paper matboard every few years?
Somewhere In Between: Alpha Cellulose Matboard
The alpha cellulose matboard is made from acid free wooden fibers, thanks to a generous dose of chemicals. These matboards are also much more stable and are good for archiving paintings you want to keep around for an extended period of time.
Alpha cellulose matboards are a pleasant middle ground between the paper and the cotton in that they are inexpensive but store well, and are suitable for archiving but not as perfect as the cotton rag.
How To Use This Knowledge
It's time to consider how much money you're willing to spend to preserve the art you own. If you're displaying art from a budget store, it's understandable that you go with a paper matboard for the cheap price tag.
If you'd rather archive a piece that means a lot to you, that inspires you, then alpha cellulose or cotton rag matboard will handle the job. Though you'll be spending more cash, over time that extra money will pay off in the form of an intact, gorgeous piece of art. - 33381
About the Author:
Wooden photo frames have been used through several centuries of collectors and artists -- they are beautiful and elegant with a price that won't empty your account. Why not purchase personalized picture frames for your pictures and art? Make sure you buy from a trusted website to make sure you're getting genuine quality.
