Documounts Articles

Custom and Pre-Cut Mats and Frames

Posts Tagged ‘mat board’

Custom Cut Mat Museum Board

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009

Custom cut mat museum board is the ideal matting option when you want your artwork to last for generations.  Mat museum board will help to preserve your artwork by protecting it against chemical deterioration and environmental damage.

You should use an archival mat museum board if you need to mat any of the following:

  • Original, one-of-a kind works of art
  • Limited edition reproductions, such as giclees or photographs
  • Signed and numbered hand-pulled prints, such as etchings
  • Important or valuable paper memorabilia, such as newspaper clippings or certificates

Documounts carries the following types of archival mat museum board:

  • Bainbridge Alpharag – Solid core mat museum boards made from 100% cotton rag.  Available in a variety of colors in 4 ply and 8 ply.
  • Bainbridge Alphamat – 4 ply mat museum boards made from alpha cellulose.  Available in a variety of colors with white core or black core.
  • Top Mat Alphamat – 6 ply alpha cellulose mat museum boards available in a variety of colors, in white core and black core.
  • Crescent Ragmat – 4 ply mat museum board made from 100% cotton rag. Available in 6 different varieties of white, with a white core.

When you buy a lot of mat museum board, you’ll receive a bulk discount.  You only need to buy 4 of the same custom cut mat museum board to receive a discount.  When you buy more than that, the savings get even bigger!  The discount on mat museum board increases at each of the following amounts: 4, 8, 16, 48, 250, 1000 & 5000.

Documounts also sells all of the supplies that you’ll need to mat your artwork with mat museum board – such as archival adhesives and picture mounting corners.  We also carry mount board, frames, glazing and other matting and framing supplies!

Buy Archival Mat Board from Documounts

Wednesday, November 25th, 2009

Ordering archival mat board is easy when you shop at Documounts.  We sell four different types of archival mat board: Bainbridge Alpharag Mat Board, Bainbridge Alphamat Board, Bainbridge Top Mat Board and Crescent Rag Mat.  All of these archival mat boards are museum-quality options for presenting, preserving and protecting your artwork.  When conservation framing is important, then archival mat board is the way to go.

Archival mat board is made from either 100% cotton rag, or alpha cellulose.  Bainbridge Alpharag and Crescent Rag Mat are archival mat boards made from cotton rag.  These mats are naturally acid and lignin free.  Bainbridge Alphamat and Top Mat are archival mat boards made from alpha cellulose.  These mats have been chemically treated to be permanently acid-free.

How do you know which archival mat board to choose?  Keep the following factors in mind when deciding which type of archival mat board will best suit your needs:

  • If you want a colored mat other than the standard white, off-white or black, you will be delighted with the wide variety of colors available for Bainbridge Alphamats.  These archival mat boards are available in over 100 colors, such Riviera Red, Renaissance Gold and Venetian Blue.
  • If you want a black core archival mat that is a bit thicker than the standard 4 ply mats, then Bainbridge Top Mats are the mats for you.  Bainbridge Top Mat is a 6 ply archival mat board that is 1.5 times thicker than the standard 4 ply mat.
  • If you want a solid core archival mat that has a stunningly deep bevel, then the 8 ply Alpharag mats are just what you need.  The 8 ply Alpharag archival mat boards are twice as thick as the standard 4 ply mats. The extra thickness of these archival mat boards creates a more sculptural presentation that beautifully showcases your artwork.

When you buy 4 or more of the same custom cut archival mat board from Documounts, you will receive a discount.  When you buy more than that, the discount gets even deeper!  The more you buy, the more you save.  You can also buy all of the supplies that you’ll need to mat, mount and frame your artwork at Documounts.

Discover the Different Types of Bainbridge Mats

Tuesday, November 17th, 2009

Bainbridge mats are an excellent choice for matting your artwork and photography.  Bainbridge mats cater to various levels of display and conservation needs, by offering a wide selection of both archival and pH neutral mats in a range of colors.

The Alphamat and Alpharag Bainbridge mats are suitable for conservation purposes of valuable works of art, while the Papermat Bainbridge mats are a more economical choice for matting inexpensive artworks and photographs.  Let’s look at all of these Bainbridge mats in more detail.

Archival Bainbridge mats

If you need to mat original, one-of-a-kind works of art on paper, then you should mat your work with Bainbridge Alphamat or Alpharag.  These are also ideal choices for matting limited edition prints and precious paper memorabilia.

Alpharag mats are the naturally acid free Bainbridge mats.  These mats are made from 100% cotton rag, which means they did not need to be chemically treated to become acid free.  These museum-quality Bainbridge mats are available in 4 ply solid core and 8 ply solid core.

Bainbridge Alphamats are alpha cellulose mats that have been treated to remove all acids.  These Bainbridge mats will protect and preserve your artwork from acidic deterioration.  Alphamats are available in 4 ply white core and 4 ply black core, in a range of over 150 colors.

Topmat Alphamats are also alpha cellulose Bainbridge mats that have been treated to remove all acids. Topmats are available in 6 ply white core and 6 ply black core.  These Bainbridge mats are 1.5 times thicker than the usual 4 ply mats.

pH Neutral Bainbridge mats

 

Papermat Bainbridge mats are ideal for matting open edition prints, posters and photographs.  These pH neutral mats are buffered to be temporarily acid free, but after several years the protective buffering will wear off and the artwork will be exposed to chemical deterioration such as yellowing and fading.  These Bainbridge mats are available in 4 ply mat off-white core and 4 ply mat black core.

You can save money when you buy Bainbridge mats in bulk.  You only need to purchase 4 of the same mat to start receiving the bulk discount.  You receive more of a discount the more you buy.  In addition to Bainbridge mats, Documounts also sells all of the essential supplies that you need to mat, mount and frame your artwork.

Buying Custom Matting from Documounts is Easy!

Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009

When you need to buy custom matting, you can find exactly what you need at Documounts.  We offer custom matting in a wide variety of sizes and colors.  Our custom matting comes in three different levels of quality, ensuring that you can purchase the right custom matting to suit your matting needs – as well as your budget.

If you need to buy a large quantity of custom matting to get ready for your upcoming gallery show or art festival, you will enjoy generous discounts when you buy just 4 or more of the same custom matting.  You will receive even deeper discounts the more you buy!

Buying custom matting from Documounts is easy.  First, choose the level of quality that you need for your mat boards.  This will depend on what you are matting.  Are you matting an original, one-of-a kind work of art on paper?  If so, then an acid free rag board (such as Alpharag or Crescent Ragmat) would be the optimal custom matting choice for you.  On the other hand, if you are matting an inexpensive, open-edition print, then you can save money by ordering custom matting cut from pH neutral or economy mats.

Next, select the color(s) that you want for your custom matting.  Each specific brand of mat board will have its own set of available colors.  The most popular colors for custom matting are white, off-white, and black, but you can choose from a range of other colors that can enhance and complement your artwork.

Finally, select the size that you need for the outside dimensions of your custom matting, as well as the size of the inside window opening.  Measure carefully, because we will cut your custom matting to whatever size you specify.

If you need to buy archival tape, mount board, and other matting, mounting, and framing supplies, you will find everything that you need to assemble your artwork into your custom matting right here at Documounts.

The Benefits of an 8 Ply Mat Board

Thursday, October 29th, 2009

An 8 ply mat board is a sophisticated alternative to standard 4 ply mats, making 8 ply mat board the ideal choice for displaying original artwork, limited edition prints, and photography.  If you seek the highest presentation standard for your artwork in terms of quality, conservation, and aesthetics, an 8 ply mat board will help elevate the display of your artwork to a museum-quality level.

An 8 ply mat board is 1/8 inch thick, which is double the thickness of standard 4 ply mats.  This allows an 8 ply mat board to have a deeper bevel, creating a more stunning sculptural appearance to your matting.  The deep bevel of an 8 ply mat board sets off the artwork in a distinctive manner, drawing attention to the artwork in a way that 4 ply mat boards simply cannot match.

Alpharag Artcare Solid Core 8 ply mat board is the museum-quality choice for matting high-end artwork and photography.  Alpharag 8 ply mat board is made from 100% cotton rag, so it is naturally acid-free.  When you seek the highest quality in archival materials for conservation framing, Alpharag Artcare 8 ply mat board is amongst the finest quality mat board available.

Alpharag Artcare 8 ply mat board is available in a selection of 13 difference whites, creams and blacks, allowing several different options for a mat board that highlights and accentuates your artwork.  The Alpharag  8 ply mat boards are all solid core, which means that the color of the bevel is the same color as the face paper of the mat board.

If you are preparing your best work for display at an art gallery or an art festival, then 8 ply mat board is a fine choice for creating an attractive presentation.  In addition to 8 ply mat board, Documounts also offers all of the other supplies that you will need to mat, frame, and display your fine art and photography.

Buy 11×14 mats in Bulk from Documounts

Thursday, October 29th, 2009

If you need 11×14 mats to get ready for your upcoming art show, look no further!  Documounts offers both pre-cut 11×14 mats and custom-cut 11×14 mats to suit your matting needs.  Our 11×14 mats conveniently fit into our readymade frames, creating an easy solution for matting and framing your fine art and photography with both low hassle and low cost.

There are several different options available for purchasing 11×14 mats in pre-cut packs from Documounts:

11×14 Mats for a 8×10 – Single White Mat Packs

11×14 Mats for a 8×10 – Double White Mat Packs

11×14 Mats for a 8×10 – Single Black Mat Packs

11×14 Mats for a 8×10 – Double Black Mat Packs

11×14 Mats for a 5×7 – White, Centered Window Mat Packs

11×14 Mats for a 5×7 – White, Vertical, Weighted Mat Packs

 

Even more conveniently, these 11×14 mats are available for purchase as part of kits that also include 11×14 backing board and clear bags that will fit the matted artwork.  This makes it even easier to prepare for your upcoming appearance at an art festival or gallery show!

 

Our Market-Ready Mat Kits are available for the 11×14 mats that have an opening for an 8×10.  These pH neutral 11×14 mats are sold in quantities of 25, along with the 25 pieces of foam core backing and 25 clear adhesive bags.

Our 11×14 mats with openings for a 5×7 are available as Showcase Ready Kits.  These pH neutral 11×14 mats are sold in quantities of 50, along with 50 1/8” foam core backing and 50 clear bags.  These mats feature a wide border between the window opening and the edge of the mat board, creating a more distinctive display option.

If you need custom 11×14 mats in a different color or cut from a different quality of mat board, you can also order these from Documounts and enjoy deep savings when you buy in large quantities.  You only have to buy 4 of the same mat to start saving!

Documounts caters to the needs of artists and photographers by offering a convenient place to buy everything you will need for your next art show – from matting and mounting supplies to framing supplies.

Frame Matting Helps Your Artwork Come to Life

Tuesday, October 27th, 2009

When your artwork or photography is ready for framing, there are many options to consider.  From the color and style of frame matting, to the materials and design of the frame itself, the selections you choose can enhance your artwork in numerous ways.

When it comes to frame matting, Documounts offers many customization options.

Option 1 – Frame Matting Quality

Choose from our three levels of frame matting quality:  Economy, Standard and Archival.  These various levels of frame matting quality allow you to get a quality mat at any price point.

Option 2 – Frame Matting Layers and Setbacks

Choose single, double or triple frame matting to complement your artwork.  The standard setback for frame matting is ¼”.  However, you can select from 14 additional setback options for a completely custom look.  When choosing multiple layers, you will select the setback, quality of frame matting and color for each layer.

Option 3 – Reverse Bevel

If you opt for a reverse bevel, the 45 degree angle is reversed so that no bevel shows against your artwork.  Artist who work with chalk pastels commonly use this frame matting option.  The reverse bevel is also preferred for a clean, sharp look. The cost of the reverse bevel option is $1.50 per mat.

Option 4 – Frame Matting Color

Options abound when it comes to color selection.  Depending on the type of frame matting you choose, there could be as many as 150 color choices or more.  When opting for multiple layers of frame matting, the color combinations you choose can add drama to any piece.

Option 5 – Blank Frame Matting

Would you prefer to order your frame matting without an opening?  No problem, we can do that.  You will receive a 20% discount for any blank frame matting order.

Option 6 – Frame Matting Sizes

When ordering your frame matting, you will be able to select both the inside and outside dimensions of your frame matting.

Option 7 – Frame Matting with V-Groove

For a unique, decorative look, opt for a V-Groove accent.  This decorative channel line that is cut into the face of the mat.  This is a stunning frame matting option.  If you would like your frame matting to include a V-Groove you must choose the amount of space the V-Groove will be out from the window

Option 8 – Weighted Window Frame Matting

Custom frame matting typically comes with a centered window opening, so that distance from the window to the edge of the frame is consistent from top to bottom and side to side.  We also offer the option of weighted window frame matting.   A weighted window will typically have an additional ½” to 1” of space from the bottom of the window to the edge of the frame matting.  This additional space helps to balance the look of the artwork and can also add visual interest to smaller pieces of artwork.

Option 9 – Discounted Frame Matting

At Documounts, we value your business.  The more frame matting that you order, the more you save.  Discounts begin with the order of the just 4 mat boards.   Click here for a full list of our frame matting discounts.

Your complete satisfaction is our goal, so customize to your heart’s content.  No matter the frame matting options you choose, we are certain you will receive the best quality mat board and service from Documounts.  Click here to begin the process of customizing your frame matting order.

Matting Wholesale Saves Time and Money

Tuesday, October 27th, 2009

For artists and photographers who run many prints of their work, matting wholesale can save time and money.  At Documounts, we know that matting wholesale is an important component of keeping your artwork affordable and your business profitable.  We offer all of our matting at wholesale prices to help you succeed.

When you begin shopping for matting wholesale, it is vital that you are receiving the quality of mat board you require.  At Documounts, you never have to worry about the quality of our wholesale matting.  The same mat board that we sell individually is available in wholesale quantities and prices.  When you purchase your matting wholesale from Documounts, your discounts begin with the purchase of just four pieces.  Discounts for wholesale matting increase when you order 8, 16, 48, 250, 1,000 and 5,000 quantities.

Wholesale matting from Documounts comes with the same choices and selection as when you ordered just one or two pieces.  You will be able to choose from archival, standard and economy quality wholesale matting.  The color, number of layers, sizes and window openings are all available for customization.  If you prefer weighted windows or reverse bevels, simply select these options when customizing your matting at wholesale prices.  Our easy to use ordering system will walk you through all of your options, and provide you with your cost based on the quantities you select.  Matting wholesale doesn’t get easier than this.

At Documounts, we know that matting wholesale saves you time and money.  We work hard to make our discounts for matting wholesale the best in the business.  Artists throughout the country rely on Documounts for matting at wholesale prices.  Simply design the custom matting that works best for you, order the quantities you require and let us do the work.

Click here to start ordering your matting wholesale.

Order Wholesale Photo Mats and Save Money

Tuesday, October 27th, 2009

Are you trying to save money on display costs, but don’t want to sacrifice on the quality and presentation of your artwork?  If you need to keep costs down, try purchasing wholesale photo mats from Documounts.  Our wholesale photo mats offer artists and photographers a great selection and the ability to increase savings as more wholesale photo mats are ordered.

When you purchase wholesale photo mats from Documounts, you will be able to choose from our selection of pre-cut and custom wholesale photo mats.  Our pre-cut wholesale photo mats are available in the standard quality mat board.  Options for pre-cut wholesale photo mats include both single and double mats in white and black.  Our pre-cut wholesale photo mats come in 8×10, 11×14 and 16×20 sizes.  All of these pre-cut wholesale photo mats come in packs of 25 for your convenience.

If you need more customization options than our pre-cut wholesale photo mats offer, you can create exactly the size and color of mat you need with our Custom Cut wholesale photo mats.  Choose from a large selection of colors in our archival, standard and economy quality mats.  Add the perfect accents including multiple layers, weighted windows, and more to create the perfect wholesale photo mats for your artwork.

Regardless of which type of wholesale photo mats you choose, the more you order the more you save.  Our top quality wholesale photo mats are depended upon by artists throughout the country to bring a finishing touch to their artwork.  Since 1984, Documounts has been the trusted leader in wholesale photo mats and framing supplies.  Our superior customer service and unparalleled quality brings artists back time and time again. Learn what artists across the country know, that Documounts’ commitment to top quality products, at affordable prices, is unmatched.

Order a Custom Cut Picture Mount

Monday, October 26th, 2009

Do you need a custom picture mount to protect and display your artwork?  At Documounts, we specialize in custom cut picture mounts that are created exactly to your specifications.  Whether you need a standard size or an unusual size, we can create the perfect picture mount for your needs.  And perhaps best of all – you can save when you buy your custom picture mount in bulk!

When you order a custom cut picture mount from Documounts, you have complete control over your picture mount, every step of the way.  You can choose the quality of the mat board, as well as the color and size of your picture mount.  Let’s look at each of these factors a bit further:

Quality of the mat board

Depending on what you would like to mount, your picture mount can be cut out of archival mat board, standard mat board, or economy mat board.  The quality of the mat board that you choose for your picture mount will depend on what you are planning to display.

For instance, a high-priced artwork should always be placed in a picture mount cut from archival mat board.  If cost is a factor and longevity is not an issue, then standard or economy mat board would be suitable for your picture mount.

Color of the mat board

The color of your mat board should work in harmony with your image.  White is the most popular color that is used for picture mounts, but you can choose from a wide selection of colors that can complement and enhance your imagery.

Size of the picture mount

You will need to measure your image to determine the size of the inner window for the picture mount.  You will also need to decide how big you want the picture mount to be.  You can choose to have a lot of matting around your picture, or only a thin area of matting around your picture – it’s up to you!

What else will you need to complete your picture mount?

To mount your picture, you will need a few other essential supplies, such as mounting board and archival adhesives.  You can find all of these supplies and more when you shop online at Documounts!