The mat is the material that surrounds your artwork, providing a “border” between the artwork and the frame.  While the mat has become a design element in recent times, its main purpose is to protect your art by preventing it from coming into contact with the glass.  If the glass touches the artwork, moisture can get trapped inside the framed piece, and mold can develop; the inks, paints, or pigments, can stick to the glass, ruining the piece entirely.  The thickness of the mat then determines just how far away from the artwork the glass is held, leaving a protective air space between the two.

Mats are now made from acid-free materials meaning that chemicals used in their manufacture will not at all damage your art.  With a huge selection of colours, materials and artistic matting techniques, we can ensure your artwork will not only look outstanding, it will be preserved properly.  Come into the shop and see our COMPUTERIZED MAT CUTTER in action.  No design is too complex for us to create.

But what if your work would look better without a mat?  At Fleet Galleries, we use special techniques with the frame itself, to provide “breathing room” for the artwork, keeping the glass away from its surface.  Ask us about alternatives to traditional mats—we can still make sure your art is protected from the environment, while providing the best possible aesthetic solution for hanging and showcasing your piece.

LINERS

A liner is a special kind of mat that protects oil paintings.  Unlike regular mats, these are made of linen, and come in a variety of sizes and depths.  To make sure your oil painting is properly protected in its frame, ask us about the best combination of liners and frames for your piece.  We can help walk you through the variations, and recommend the best choice.

BACKING

To provide stability for your art, we use foam core backing with special barrier paper, or acid-free foam core and tape.  Using our archival methods, you can be assured that your piece will be safe from the elements.

SEALING

It is important that the back of your framed piece be sealed to prevent insects, dust, and dirt from damaging the art.  However, some works such as oils need to breathe, since they never fully dry out.  And depending on the type of frame you choose, we will use different sealing techniques.  Talk to us about how best to seal your artwork to preserve and protect it now and for generations to come.

Whether it's your living room, boardroom, or gallery, at Fleet Galleries, we can make your art work!