Most industries have their own unique language and a glossary of art and framing terms is essential to have an understanding of the materials and methods employed. If you are unfamiliar with some of the more basic lingo, here are some definitions to help you.<\/p>\n

4-Ply Mat<\/strong>
\nThe thickness of a standard rag mat. It is also comparable in thickness to most other matboards.<\/p>\n

8-Ply Mat<\/strong>
\nA double thick mat<\/p>\n

Acid-Free Mats<\/strong>
\nThe mats called acid-free have been purified to neutralize the acidity. Although this is good, this type of mat is not a substitute for rag or alpha-cellulose mats when you want to adhere to conservation standards.<\/p>\n

Acrylic<\/strong>
\nAcrylic is an alternative instead of glass. It doesn\u2019t break as easily and is somewhat lighter in weight, especially in larger sizes. People often say Plexiglas when they should say acrylic. Plexiglas is a brand name.<\/p>\n

Allowance<\/strong>
\nWhen frames are made, they are cut slightly larger than the size desired. This provides space so anything that is the actual size will drop into the frame.<\/p>\n

Anti-Reflective Glass<\/strong>
\nA type of coated glass that greatly reduces reflection without distorting the art behind it.<\/p>\n

Bevel<\/strong>
\nWhen the window is cut into the mat, the blade cuts at an angle, exposing part of the mat\u2019s core.<\/p>\n

Bottom-Weighted Mat<\/strong>
\nWhen the border beneath the art is wider than the border above and beside it.<\/p>\n

Bumpers\/Bumpons<\/strong>
\nRubber or felt pads that are placed on the bottom two corners of the frame. These provide an air space behind the frame and help keep the frame straight on the wall.<\/p>\n

Burl<\/strong>
\nAn irregular growth at the bottom of a tree. It is cut into thin veneer and applied to frames. Burl comes from a very small section of the tree so the pieces of veneer are short. On one length of frame molding, numerous pieces of burl are laid end to end so seams are expected and a part of the look.<\/p>\n

Burnish<\/strong>
\nA technique used with gold leaf to create a lustrous sheen<\/p>\n

Canvas<\/strong>
\nA substrate used to paint or print on.<\/p>\n

Cap<\/strong>
\nA frame molding profile that is narrow across the face and deep from front to back. Caps are generally 1\u201d to 1 \u00bd\u201d in depth.<\/p>\n

Cassetta<\/strong>
\nA frame molding profile having a flat panel with raised edges at the front and back.<\/p>\n

Clay (Bole)<\/strong>
\nA colored clay, applied in liquid form, to the molding before it is leafed. When the leaf is later burnished, a portion of the gold rubs away, allowing some of the clay color to show through. This adds depth to the frame\u2019s finish.<\/p>\n

Clear Glass<\/strong>
\nThe standard type of glass used in frames.<\/p>\n

Closed Corner Frame<\/strong>
\nA frame that is assembled prior to being finished so the corners are seamless.<\/p>\n

Compo<\/strong>
\nA composite substance that ornamental patterns are molded into to decorate frames.<\/p>\n

Conservation Glass<\/strong>
\nGlass with filtering properties to block harmful ultraviolet rays.<\/p>\n

Conservation Framing<\/strong>
\nThe use of preservation materials and techniques to protect the artwork.<\/p>\n

Double Mat<\/strong>
\nA mat border made from two layers of matboard. The two layers can be the same color but are often different colors.<\/p>\n

Distressed<\/strong>
\nTo deliberately mar the surface of the frame molding to give the effect of age.<\/p>\n

Dry Mount<\/strong>
\nA process for adhering prints to rigid backings using heat-activated adhesives.<\/p>\n

Dust Cover<\/strong>
\nA paper backing used to finish off the back of the frame.<\/p>\n

Elongated Mat<\/strong>
\nWhen the mat borders above and below the art are wider than the borders on either side.<\/p>\n

Fabric Mat<\/strong>
\nA mat that has a fabric surface instead of the typical paper surface.<\/p>\n

Fillet<\/strong>
\nA narrow molding used as an accent. Fillets can be placed inside mat openings or in the lip of frames.<\/p>\n

Finished Corner Frame<\/strong>
\nThe same as a closed corner frame.<\/p>\n

Float Frame<\/strong>
\nA type of molding used for framing canvases. The art is set into the frame from the front so none of the surfaces is covered.<\/p>\n

Float Mount<\/strong>
\nTo place the art on top of the mat rather than in a window behind the mat. Sometimes the art sits directly on the mat but it is often raised off it to add depth.<\/p>\n

Foamboard<\/strong>
\nA board used to mount prints to or used as a backing<\/p>\n

Frame <\/strong>
\nWhen the four pieces of molding are assembled, it becomes a frame.<\/p>\n

French Mat<\/strong>
\nA traditional form of mat decoration originated in France. A watercolor wash is applied within a panel and ink lines are placed around it. Some French mats are simple and others quite elaborate.<\/p>\n

Gallery Wrap<\/strong>
\nWhen artwork continues from the front surface of a stretched canvas down the sides.<\/p>\n

Gesso<\/strong>
\nA plaster substance applied to frame molding to create a smooth base prior to applying the finish.<\/p>\n

Giclee Print<\/strong>
\nA popular method used to produce fine art prints<\/p>\n

Gilding<\/strong>
\nApplying gold leaf to the surface of the frame. The two primary types used are water gilding and oil gilding.<\/p>\n

Glazing<\/strong>
\nA generic term used for covering art and mats with glass or acrylic<\/p>\n

Hinge<\/strong>
\nA method used to attach art to a backing board. Most commonly hinging is used when framing works of art to conservation standards.<\/p>\n

Laminate<\/strong>
\nThe process of adhering a clear plastic film over something to seal it. Laminating films come in a variety of finishes.<\/p>\n

Lap Lines<\/strong>
\nGold Leaf comes in small sheets. When a frame is leafed, the sheets are intentionally overlapped to insure the clay underneath is not visible. This overlap can result in a deeper or brighter finish at even intervals down the length of the molding. This is considered a sign of quality.<\/p>\n

Limited Edition Print<\/strong>
\nWhen an artist or publisher creates a defined amount of prints and will print no more of that image. Edition sized can vary from several to thousands. Generally, these will be signed by the artist and numbered, such as 1\/1000, 2\/1000, etc.<\/p>\n

Liner<\/strong>
\nWhen a mat border is not used, it is often desirable to use a liner. Today liners are usually fabric-covered frames but the original liners were gold-leafed for use inside finished corner frames.<\/p>\n

Lip<\/strong>
\nThe part of the frame that holds the art and other framing contents in place.<\/p>\n

Mat Border<\/strong>
\nUsed to surround many prints, photos, certificates, etc., a mat border provides a visual resting spot between the art and everything around it, making it easier to view the art.<\/p>\n

Mat Opening\/Mat Window<\/strong>
\nA hole cut into the mat so the art will be visible through it<\/p>\n

Molding<\/strong>
\nBefore a frame is made, the four sides are cut to size form a long length of molding<\/p>\n

Molding Depth<\/strong>
\nThe overall outside dimension of the moulding from front to back<\/p>\n

Molding Width<\/strong>
\nThe overall outside dimension of the moulding from inside edge to outside edge<\/p>\n

Museum Glass<\/strong>
\nThe best glass available to protect the art from harmful ultraviolet light, while also reducing reflection<\/p>\n

Non-Glare Glass<\/strong>
\nA type of glass that greatly reduces glare but also can cause cloudiness or distortion, especially when it sits away from the art as it will with a double or triple mat.<\/p>\n

Open Edition Print<\/strong>
\nWhen art prints are mass-produced and continue to be printed as long as there is a demand for the image.<\/p>\n

Paper Mat<\/strong>
\nThe lowest quality type of the mat. It is more susceptible to discoloration and it can accelerate the deterioration of the art.<\/p>\n

Preservation Framing<\/strong>
\nAnother term for conservation framing.<\/p>\n

Profile<\/strong>
\nWhen you look at the end of a stick of molding, this is the shape you would see.<\/p>\n

Rabbet Depth<\/strong>
\nThe interior height of the frame where the contents will be placed<\/p>\n

Rabbet Width<\/strong>
\nThe amount of the frame lip that will overlap onto the contents placed in the frame<\/p>\n

Rag Mat<\/strong>
\nThe mat looks like paper but it was made from cotton fibers. Rag mats are recommended when you want to preserve art.<\/p>\n

Reflection Control Glass<\/strong>
\nAnother term for Non-Glare Glass<\/p>\n

Reverse<\/strong>
\nA type of molding profile where the inside edge is deeper and slopes down to the wall at the outer edge.<\/p>\n

Reverse Bevel<\/strong>
\nWhen a mat is cut so the beveled edge does not show<\/p>\n

Rottenstone<\/strong>
\nA fine powder used to antique frames<\/p>\n

Scoop<\/strong>
\nA type of molding profile where the outside edge is the deepest and slopes down to the inner edge.<\/p>\n

Shadowbox<\/strong>
\nAny frame molding that is 1 \u00bd\u201d deep or more. Mouldings less than 1 \u00bd\u201d deep are generally called \u201cCaps\u201d but they can be used to frame objects that will fit within them.<\/p>\n

Sight Size<\/strong>
\nOn a completed frame, this is the size from the innermost edge on one side to the innermost edge on the opposite side. This site will be smaller than the actual frame size.<\/p>\n

Single Mat<\/strong>
\nA mat border made from one layer of mat<\/p>\n

Spacer<\/strong>
\nSpacer products are available to keep the glass off the surface of art when a mat is not used. Foamboard strips can also be placed between layers of mat to create space.<\/p>\n

Stacking<\/strong>
\nThe technique of combining two or more moldings to create one frame. Stacking has been used for centuries. Frames are usually placed side by side, adding to the width but you can also place frames one over the other to add depth.<\/p>\n

Strap Hanger<\/strong>
\nA strong type of hanger that fits quite flush to the wall and can be used with or without wire.<\/p>\n

Stretcher Bars<\/strong>
\nPre-cut pieces that interlock to form the framework canvas is stretched over<\/p>\n

Stretcher Frame\/Strainer<\/strong>
\nLength of the stretcher that is cut to size and joined like a frame.<\/p>\n

Toning<\/strong>
\nAdding a finish to warm or cool the color below it.<\/p>\n

Triple Mat<\/strong>
\nA mat border made from three layers of matboard. They can all be the same color or two or three different colors.<\/p>\n

Variable Sizing<\/strong>
\nWhen an art image can be printed in a variety of sizes<\/p>\n

Veneer<\/strong>
\nThin sheets of wood that are adhered to frames, furniture, cabinets, etc. Veneers are generally used when large pieces are not available, such as burl, or when the wood is rare or expensive.<\/p>\n

Wall Grouping<\/strong>
\nWhen you hang several framed pieces into a formation on a single wall<\/p>\n

Text by Larson-Juhl<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n<\/body>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Most industries have their own unique language and a glossary of art and framing terms is essential to have an understanding of the materials and methods employed. If you are […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6834,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[215,76],"tags":[60],"class_list":["post-1649","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-framing","category-tips","tag-fineart"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t