Moorman Matboard

2024 / 07 / 16

REQUIREMENTS FOR MATBOARD

A mat serves different functions. Hence matboard needs to meet different requirements. Moorman markets matboard which meets all the requirements - even the most stringent.

Aesthetic function

Esthetiek is bij het passepartout van grootste belang. Het passepartout moet een fraai intermediair zijn tussen lijst en kunstwerk en - met hulp van kleur en structuur - kan Moorman passepartoutkarton die functie vervullen. Bovendien draagt het passepartout ertoe bij dat het werk nog meer tot z'n recht komt. Het is frappant om te zien hoe een goed passepartout eruit haalt wat erin zit. Of het nu een werk van een groot kunstenaar betreft of een aquarel van een amateur, een leuke plaat of een vriendelijke foto, kunst met een grote of kunst met een kleine k.

Technical function

The technical function of a mat has a role to play besides its aesthetic function. The technical function of a mat is to keep the print or work of art away from the glass. The ensuing requirement for the matboard is that it is of a certain thickness.

Protective function

In addition, there is a protective function. The quality of Moorman's matboard makes a contribution to the work of art remaining in good condition. Quality will be discussed in more detail in the section "Structure of Matboard".

The frame-maker/picture-framer and the customer

The selection of a mat is made on the basis of consultation between you, the frame-maker, and the customer. Of course your advice will play an important part. In giving that advice you know that you are supported by the wide range of Moorman Karton, which will completely satisfy what the customer and the work of art require.

The structure of matboard

The matboard in the Moorman collection is structured of a number of layers. We may distinguish a front paper, a core and a backing. Specific requirements are set for each of these layers.

Front paper

Apart from the aesthetic requirements, the front also needs to meet high requirements regarding light-fastness. Moorman therefore obtains the paper for the front of its matboards from highly specialised paper mills which are able to attain the highest standards of quality.

Back

The back (back covering) of the mat - i.e., the side that is not seen - is also important. After all, it is the side that comes into contact with the work. In other words, the material used for the back is the most likely to have an adverse effect on the work. This is why Moorman uses only very high quality paper for the back of all matboards. Paper that contains no acid and is buffered with calcium carbonate, which ensures that every Moorman matboard is of top quality.

Core

The core is the heaviest component of matboard. Different types of cores are used in the Moorman collection, the most important of which are the standard core and the white acid-free cellulose core.

Standard core

The woodpulpboard core of standard matboard is made from high-quality, selected, extra-clean and fine virgin wood fibres. This provides a number of advantages. The extra-fine clean fibres minimise the possibility of black dots and ensure a lower lignin level. Moorman's high-quality woodpulpboard standard core is pH neutral and buffered.

White acid-free cellulose core

The acid-free white core is made of alpha cellulose and is wood- and lignin free, and is buffered with calcium carbonate. Moreover, the structure of the material ensures that it provides excellent protection from any outside influences.

Colored core

this core is identical to the white acid-free cellulose core, except that colour has been added. The coloured core provides additional aesthetic possibilities when framing. A contour line in a contrasting colour round the work may provide a specially refined effect.

Black core

there is also the black, pH-neutral, core. This is buffered with at least 3% calcium carbonate. Matboard with a black core - you will find several items in the Moorman collection - can give an additional dimension to the work of art. The back of Moorman matboards with a black core is a dark-grey, smear-proof, high-quality buffered acid-free paper. The backing paper is the same quality as from the other types.

White core

has a pH neutral, buffered white base. The back consists of very high-grade paper which is acid-free and buffered with calcium carbonate.
Cream, coloured core: The cream, coloured are also made of alpha cellulose and is wood- and lignin free. The back consists of very high-grade paper which is acid-free and buffered with calcium carbonate.

Special finishes: Imitation suede and linen

In addition to passe-partout cardboard with a paper front, Moorman also offers variants with imitation suede and linen coverings. There is no difference in quality compared to the aforementioned types of passe-partout cardboard, but there is a significant difference in appearance.

Imitation suede and linen passe-partouts can be used to achieve stunning effects, and interest in these types of cardboard is growing. Both traditional and modern art lend themselves to being framed in these rich materials. And if a work requires ‘just that little bit extra’, then imitation suede or linen is definitely worth considering. The results are, without exception, subtle and unique.

The pile of the imitation suede used is microscopically short, allowing it to retain its position on the mat. This short pile also means that the mat can be placed directly on the glass of the frame.

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