Benefits of Using Acid Free Mat Board

Important artwork can benefit from the use of acid free mat board as opposed to acidic mat board. There are variations in the types of acid-free mat board available depending on the materials used. Quality varies from mat boards made of wood fibers that have been treated to neutralize acid to mat boards that are made of cotton rag that are completely acid-free.




Consistent Fade-Resistant Color
Acid free mat board are composed entirely of either alpha cellulose, wood fibers or cotton rag, resulting in consistent colors throughout when cut. Acidic mats composed of acidic wood pulp have less bright and consistent coloring than acid free mat boards, and are more susceptible to fading and yellowing over time. Either type of mat  board can fade with exposure to sunlight if not mounted under UV-protected glass.

Durability
Acid in mat boards and in their environments causes their materials to decompose, with acidic mats breaking down more quickly than acid-free mats. Over time, decomposition causes mat board fibers to weaken, fray and discolor.

Effect on Artwork
Mat boards that are not acid-free function well for temporary displays, but acid free mat boards are best for preserving artwork over time because they are less susceptible to decomposition. The highest quality acid-free mat boards are often referred to as museum quality or archival mat boards because they can best assist in preserving framed items over time.

Because mat boards are in direct contact with the framed artwork, the acidity of the boards can also cause discoloration and damage to the artwork. For this reason, framers and galleries recommend acid free mat boards for use with original artwork or other framed items that are of monetary or sentimental value.