Giving Your Art That 'Wow' Factor: A Deep Dive into the Matted Drawing
You've spent hours, maybe even days, pouring your heart and soul into a drawing. The lines are perfect, the shading just right, and it truly captures the vision in your head. Now what? Just stick it on the fridge with a magnet? Nope, not if you want that artwork to really shine and be treated with the respect it deserves! This is where the magic of a matted drawing comes in.
If you're wondering what I'm even talking about, a "matted drawing" simply means a piece of artwork that's been surrounded by a flat, stiff piece of board (the mat) with a window cut out of it. This mat then sits between your artwork and the frame's glass. It might sound like a minor detail, but trust me, it's a game-changer. It's like putting a beautiful piece of jewelry on a velvet display – suddenly, it just pops.
Why Bother Matting Your Precious Artwork? It's More Than Just Looks!
Let's be honest, we all want our art to look its best. But the benefits of a properly matted drawing go way beyond just aesthetics. There are some really important practical reasons too.
Protection: Your Art's Personal Bodyguard
Think about it: when you frame a drawing, the glass can often press directly against the artwork. Over time, especially with changes in humidity and temperature, your drawing can actually stick to the glass. This is a nightmare scenario, because trying to separate them later can cause irreversible damage – tearing, smudging, or even lifting off the medium. The mat creates a crucial air gap, preventing this direct contact. It's like a buffer, keeping your delicate lines safe from the glass's potentially sticky embrace. Plus, it acts as a physical barrier against minor bumps or scratches if the frame gets jostled.
Presentation: Elevating Your Masterpiece
You know how some artwork just looks more professional, more gallery-ready? A well-chosen mat is often the secret sauce. It provides a visual breathing space around your art, drawing the viewer's eye inward to the drawing itself, rather than letting it get lost in the frame or its surroundings. It defines the boundaries of the artwork, giving it a finished, polished look. It's amazing how a simple piece of board can instantly elevate the perceived value and quality of your work. It just says, "Hey, this is important!"
Preservation: For Art That Lasts Generations
This is a big one, especially if you're serious about your art or if you're dealing with valuable pieces. Many standard mat boards are made from wood pulp, which is acidic. Over time, this acid can migrate into your drawing, causing it to yellow, become brittle, and deteriorate – a process called "acid burn." Yikes! That's why using archival, acid-free mat board is absolutely crucial for a matted drawing intended for long-term preservation. These mats are made from cotton rag or purified wood pulp and won't harm your artwork. It's a small investment that pays off big time in the long run.
Choosing the Right Mat Board: Don't Just Grab Any Old Cardboard!
Okay, so you're convinced. Matting is the way to go. But how do you pick the right one? It's not as simple as grabbing a piece of cardboard, friend!
Material Matters: Archival is Key
As I just mentioned, acid-free is your mantra here. Look for terms like "museum quality," "conservation grade," or "100% cotton rag." These materials are designed to last for centuries without off-gassing harmful acids. You can usually find them at art supply stores or custom framers.
Color Considerations: Complement, Don't Compete
The mat's color is super important. Generally, you want it to complement your drawing, not overshadow it. A neutral color like off-white, cream, or a light gray is often a safe and elegant choice. It allows the artwork to speak for itself. Sometimes, a subtle color pulled directly from the drawing can work beautifully, but be careful not to pick something too bold that distracts. My personal rule of thumb? When in doubt, go a shade or two lighter than the lightest tone in your drawing, or a warm white for warmer pieces, cool white for cooler ones.
Thickness (Ply): It Adds Depth!
Mat boards come in different thicknesses, measured in "ply" (like layers). Common options are 2-ply, 4-ply, and 8-ply. A 4-ply mat is standard and looks great. An 8-ply mat is thicker and creates a more substantial, dramatic bevel around the artwork, adding a sense of luxury and depth. For larger or more important pieces, an 8-ply can really make a statement.
Tools of the Trade: Getting Ready to Cut!
You don't need a professional framing studio, but a few key tools will make your life a lot easier when creating a matted drawing.
- Mat Cutter: This is the most important tool. You can get a basic handheld bevel cutter that works with a straight edge, or invest in a more sophisticated bench-style cutter. For occasional use, a good quality handheld cutter and a long, sturdy metal ruler (the kind with a non-slip backing is a lifesaver!) will do the trick.
- Self-Healing Cutting Mat: Protect your table and keep your blades sharp!
- Pencil and Eraser: For marking your cut lines. Make sure it's a light pencil that can be erased easily.
- Ruler/Measuring Tape: Accuracy is everything here!
- Archival Mounting Tape: You only want to hinge your artwork to the backing board (or the mat itself), not tape it all around. Look for linen tape or acid-free paper tape.
- Cotton Gloves (Optional but Recommended): Keeps oils from your hands off your pristine artwork and mat.
The Art of Cutting: A Step-by-Step Guide to Your Matted Drawing
Alright, let's get down to business! Cutting a mat can feel intimidating, but with patience and precision, you'll get great results.
Step 1: Measure, Measure, Measure!
This is where the "measure twice, cut once" mantra really applies. * Artwork Size: First, precisely measure your drawing. * Frame Opening: If you already have a frame, measure its inner dimensions. * Border Widths: Decide how wide you want your mat borders to be. For a classic look, the bottom border is often slightly wider than the top and side borders (this creates a visual balance, preventing the art from looking like it's "falling" in the frame). For example, 2.5 inches on the top and sides, and 3 inches on the bottom. Add these border widths to your artwork's dimensions to get the total outer size of your mat board.
Step 2: Mark Your Mat
Lay your mat board face down. Use your ruler and pencil to mark the opening you'll be cutting. You're marking the inside of the window. Take your time, double-checking every measurement.
Step 3: The Cut!
This is the nerve-wracking part! Position your cutting mat underneath your mat board. Line up your mat cutter (whether handheld or bench-style) with your marked lines. Most mat cutters are designed to make a bevel cut – an angled cut that gives the window a professional, clean edge. * Technique: Practice on some scrap mat board first! It takes a bit of a knack to apply even pressure and maintain a consistent angle. * Safety First: Blades are sharp! Always cut away from your body. * Overlap Your Cuts: To ensure clean corners, make sure your cuts slightly overlap at each corner.
Step 4: Mount Your Drawing (The Hinging Method)
Remember that archival mounting tape? This is where it shines. Lay your freshly cut mat over your drawing to confirm the fit. Then, carefully align your drawing on the backing board that will go behind the mat. Use small pieces of archival tape to create two "hinges" along the top edge of your drawing, attaching it only to the backing board. This allows the drawing to expand and contract slightly with humidity changes without buckling, and it's easily removable if you ever need to take it out. Never tape all four sides of your drawing directly to the mat or backing board, as this can cause buckling and damage over time.
Step 5: Assemble and Frame!
Once your drawing is hinged to the backing board, you can place your cut mat over it, align them, and then gently place the entire assembly into your frame. Add the frame's glass (cleaned of course!), secure the back, and voilà! You've got a beautifully matted drawing ready for display.
Avoiding Common Matting Mishaps
Even experienced artists can make mistakes. Here are a few things to watch out for:
- Rushing: This is the enemy of a good mat! Take your time with measuring and cutting.
- Dull Blades: A dull blade will tear your mat board, not cut it cleanly. Change your blades often.
- Incorrect Measurements: Seriously, measure three times, cut once!
- Non-Archival Materials: As mentioned, this is a long-term disaster waiting to happen.
- Dust and Debris: Before framing, use a clean, dry brush or a can of compressed air to remove any dust or stray mat fibers from your artwork, mat, and glass. Nothing ruins a beautiful presentation like a speck of dust under the glass!
Taking it Up a Notch: Creative Matting Ideas
Once you're comfortable with the basics, you can start experimenting.
- Double Mats: This involves using two mats, one on top of the other, with the inner mat showing just a thin border (usually about 1/4 inch) around your artwork. It adds incredible depth and sophistication, often using a complementary inner color to pull out a subtle tone from your drawing.
- Lining: A very thin "liner" can be added around the opening, often in a metallic or textured finish, to give an extra touch of elegance.
- Off-Center Mats: For a contemporary look, sometimes artists intentionally make one side border wider than the other (usually the bottom, or sometimes an asymmetrical design).
Your Art Deserves the Best!
Transforming a raw sketch or detailed illustration into a truly finished piece often comes down to the presentation. A matted drawing isn't just about making your art look good – though it absolutely does that! It's about protecting your hard work, enhancing its impact, and ensuring it can be enjoyed for years, even decades, to come. So next time you finish a drawing you're proud of, don't just toss it in a drawer. Give it the star treatment it deserves. You'll be amazed at the difference it makes!