Comments on: Are you using white or colored mats for your art?

By: Priscilla

Priscilla — Sat, 29 May 2010 13:21:58 +0000

When I’m at my framer’s, I’m always surprised by how many ***different*** whites there are. So it’s not just about white vs black or color. One type of white can look terrible, another can be gorgeous next to a piece.

I also believe in sticking with a framer, once you find one you like. I’ve got a great one, who knows my work, understands how I show it, and gives me a discount!

By: Michael Newberry

Michael Newberry — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 15:57:52 +0000

Good discussion. One of the shocks to my artist ego is that framing doesn’t come easy to me. But what always looks stunning is an 8-ply white matt and black frame, and if I am splurging, museum glass, especially for pastels, even subtle ones. The white and black seem to pop the image off the wall and drive the focus into the work itself.
But if price is no object I have really enjoyed going to great framers, and working with a consultant in which I have liked their outcomes. I always seem pleasantly surprised by their unexpected and beautiful choices, like subtle-colored linen or silk matts, and elaborate frames, but I have done this when matching the style of the place with the work.

By: Tina Mammoser

Tina Mammoser — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 13:29:52 +0000

I know a few artists who prefer coloured mattes but it’s important to remember that we are not framing and matting/mounting for our own preferences. The idea is to create a neutral space around the artwork so it can show itself off. Considering that the majority of buyers reframe anyway it best to stick with simple options, or at least consistency for an entire show. Personally, I find coloured mounts or frames really distracts from the strength of the work itself.

By: Sheree Rensel

Sheree Rensel — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 13:34:09 +0000

One of the first things I learned in art school was NO COLORED MATS!!! I have always remembered that. Sheree Rensel http://www.wizzlewolf.com

By: Kathy Radford

Kathy Radford — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 13:33:24 +0000

I appreciate all the wonderful comments to my post but I stand true to my feelings of using colored mats. I’ve seen so many poorly chosen mats and frames, I think it is easier to use white mats if you don’t know how to match them properly or want the bulk rate to save money. In no way do the white mats enhance most artwork. I’m still not convinced otherwise. I truly feel you will see a turnaround in the future. Old habits are hard to break, it’s just a matter of time.

By: Sari

Sari — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 01:40:38 +0000

ok two more things…dark edges brings out light, light edge brings out dark, the contrast thing- this is if work needs fixing…&, the reason you don’t obsess over the frame is cause you are not selling frames…what happens artistically is that your perception of the work becomes dependent on the framing…eventually you think things like ‘ this will look better with a frame’ …then your work itself becomes a compromise & you spend all your budget at the framer instead of on integral art supplies…it is a bit of a hook framer’s do- don’t get caught…

By: Sari

Sari — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 00:02:03 +0000

We were showing our paintings at a frame shop & the owner didn’t speak any English…In exchange for impromptu lessons we got deals on really gorgeous framing materials…Most sucessful framing job? Double white mat, but here is the kicker, a spacer In Between each white mat …(rather elaborate gold leaf frame with great inlay design didn’t hurt either)…the spacer was a little clear plastic thing stuck in between the mats…made the whole thing (original acrylic painting on arches 300lb paper 22x30inches) look really masterpiece…we don’t use acrylics anymore (1996) but on thick paper & matted & framed in this manner…well, my mom got the work – just too beautiful to sell…(though I get offers often from my mom’s friends when they visit so it was worth the gift)…

By: David Castle Art

David Castle Art — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 22:53:43 +0000

I agree strongly with white mats for most original art, and almost never use anything else for my own artwork. I don’t agree that a mat should match some color in the artwork (even white). However, I really think it depends upon what art is being matted/framed. For example, I don’t think the white mat rule necessarily holds true for photography, or some whimsical/decorative art. I collect vintage posters and have several framed with colored mats. One other comment – please keep your corner cuts crisp! Nothing ruins a mat (of any color) more than sloppy, overcut corners!

By: Suzette Fram

Suzette Fram — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 20:10:07 +0000

There is a difference in framing for showing, and framing for owning. For showing, it needs to be neutral and consistent. The neutral (white or off-white) is better because people have different tastes and different environments where they will show the work, and then the colour of the mat becomes an issue. Once a piece has been bought and will have a permanent home, it’s not such a big deal to take it to a framer and change the mat to suit your taste and decor.

PS: I started out with coloured mats and after a couple of years, switched to off-white. When I look back at those coloured mats, I no longer like them at all. My favourite now is a double mat, with a dark coloured inner mat and an off-white outer mat.

By: Karine Swenson

Karine Swenson — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 16:56:01 +0000

While I agree that it is a good idea to keep framing and matting consistant, I also think that if your art has no white in it, and you use a white mat, you are making a big mistake. The framing should be a continuation of your art. The one thing about framing that is also true of art is that it is subjective and oh so personal. You will never please everyone, so as the artist, I think it is up to you to make the final call as to how your own work should be presented. It is more important that the matting and framing should be the best quality you can afford. Use archival materials.