Preserving Works on Paper

Matting

Proper matting with archival materials protects a work on paper from the wear and tear of being handled and prevents the work from coming into contact with harmful acidic materials. A mat made from high quality rag board that is acid-free or alkaline is a storage option that also decreases the risk of a work becoming fused to glazing materials while in a frame. Archival hinges or corner sleeves secure the item in the mat without exposing it to harmful adhesives. When matting an item in our lab, we exclusively use Rising Museum Board, which is widely considered to be the highest quality mat board available.