2346 Newport Blvd B1, Costa Mesa, 92627 949-642-9493
The Starving Artist
Framing Services
Story of the Mats
When to use each style.
Single Mat
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The first type of mat was a single layer.
Today it is much more common to use two or three layers.
Ultra-thick mat ( 8 plies) used on Hight-End artwork where the frame designs are simple and classic, not decorative.
Single mats also have applications when matting vintage, classic, or antique pieces as it helps them look authentic to their era
Double Mat
Double mats allow you to add an accent color that can be used to help draw attention to the art by outlining it.
However, a double mat can be made using two of the same color for a more subtle look.
Triple Mat
When using three layers, you have even
more opportunity to use color, but once
again, all the layers can be the same,
or you can sandwich an accent color
between two of the same color.
Mat with Fillet
Fillets, narrow moldings, used as an accent, either inside the lip of a frame or more often in mat openings.
They offer more depth than mats and finish comparable to frame, so they are useful to coordinate
with the framework for a highly customized look.
Mat with spacers
Spacers used between mat layers for extra depth.
The spacers can bring out the inherent design in the art, such as a landscape with perspective.
It can also add actual depth to accommodate an object or dimensional art.
Our computerized mat cutter can cut (almost) any design from either our group of pre-designed mats , creative image designs or your special design created in coral draw.
Custom Openings
Although most mat openings are square or rectangular, shapes can be cut to mimic irregular art shapes.
Unique cuts add to the appearance. For example, angled corners (octagonal cuts) can hide dented or broken edges on the art, etc.
Multiple Openings
Multiple openings are used to display items with relational connections with each other to complete the story. Doing so allows you to place more than one picture in a frame.
Multiple openings work exceptionally well with things such as family or vacation photos,
stamp collections, or anything else you want to display together.
Colorful Mats
There are numerous mat colors to choose from, yet neutrals account for most mat sales.
People tend to tire of specific colors more quickly than neutrals.
Yet there is a time and place to use bright shades of color.
When using colorful mats, remember the art should be the focal point of the completed frame design.
Neutral Mats
Neutral mat colors tend not to compete with the art as much as colorful mats.
Neutral matting allows more flexibility to hang the framed artwork in other situations, following a move or redecorating project.
Light-Medium -Dark Mats
Allow you to show the artwork in a different light by changing the color base of the matting with three different colors.
None of the choices are wrong, just different.
Dark mats tend to allow the light in the art to pop while a light matting usually intensifies the darker colors.
A mid-tone mat keeps both the light and dark details in the artwork more equal
Fabric Mats
Fabric covered mats can add a richness to your frame designs that paper surfaced mats may not provide.
They are nearly always used when framing objects.
When choosing which fabric to use, consider the subject matter, era, and be sure it sets
off the item being framed rather than blending so perfectly that it gets lost in the mat.
Pattern and Textures
In addition to fabric textured mats, other mats are available with printed designs or embossed textures
add for decorative purposes only.
Be careful to avoid mats that distract from the item you are framing.
Uniform Mat Borders
When the unframed art looks well-balanced, it is generally OK to use uniform mat borders on all sides to maintain that look.
Bottom-Weighted
A bottom-weighted mat is one where the border below the image is wider than the boundaries above and beside it.
This technique is used both for aesthetic and functional reasons.
When an image has darker colors, larger shapes,
or more texture or pattern in the lower half than it
does in the upper half, it can look like it is sinking
into the mat once it when framed.
By increasing the width of the lower mat border,
the completed piece looks more balanced.
If the image itself has a more significant margin
below than on the other sides, it is necessary
to bottom-weight the mat to avoid cutting the art.
Elongated
An elongated mat has a broader border
both above and below the art.
Elongation tends to look best on images that
are vertical or those who have sharp edge
It's an extension of your art and your taste.
We will walk you through the steps of choosing the right framing treatment for your artwork.
Unlike big-box and chain stores, you won’t find any cheap grade materials here.
We exclusively use acid-free materials, reversible mounting techniques and glass (glazing) that is specially coated to eliminate the light that makes things fade. If you’re going to spend money to protect something– make sure you do it right!
Expert Service and Great Prices!
Give us a shot! — our prices are very competitive and our finished product is second to none.
We’ve been in business here in Costa Mesa for over 52 years and know all the little tricks that allow us to turn out a great product at a great price.
