What Does Acid-Free Mean?
Rather than offer an explanation using technical terms, let’s try the simple approach.
Common paper is made from trees. Trees have stuff in them that keeps the tree glued
together. And that stuff is very acidic. In the framing world acid is very bad.
It tends to bleed yellow-brownish spots onto places where we do not want any discoloration,
not to mention damage. Think about how the brown paper on the back of that family
heirloom picture is brittle and literally crumbles at the touch. That is acid damage.
Acid-free mats come in two basic varieties, rag mat and alpha cellulose mat. Rag
mat is made from 100 % cotton. Alpha mat is made from paper that has been chemically
treated to be free of acid. So, when your picture framer suggests an acid-free mat,
she is offering you the highest quality mats, mats that not only fully protect your
valued artwork, stitchery or photo, but also look fresh and clean for many years.
At Linda’s Frame Shop we take pride in using only acid-free mats.
