Learn Some Cool Stuff about Picture Framing!

MATBOARD

Four Corners has a large selection of matboard including Artique, Crescent and Bainbridge. Matboard is the first barrier between your cherished artwork and the protective layer of glass. It comes in a huge array of colors, textures and styles.

We carry three different qualities of matboard... what we consider good, better and best.

The GOOD is called Decorative Matboard:

Made of wood pulp that is buffered with calcium carbonate to slow the damage caused by the acid and lignin. Over time, acid and lignin can degrade the matboard and the artwork.

BETTER is Alpha-Cellulose Matboard:

Matboard made of alpha-cellulose (wood pulp) fibers that have been chemically treated to eliminate the acids and lignins that can degrade the matboard and the artwork. Alpha-cellulose based matboards are suitable for minimum levels of conservation framing and as an alternative to non-conservation matting.

The BEST matboard is made of Cotton:

Matboard made of cotton fibers, which are naturally acid-free and lignin-free. Cotton is time-tested and naturally free of any chemicals or pollutants that would degrade matboard or artwork. Cotton is also an annually renewable resource, making it more environmentally friendly. Cotton rag matboard is the natural choice when the highest levels of matting are required for the display, protection and preservation of artwork.

FRAME MOULDING

Four Corners has the largest selection of frame moulding in West Michigan. The moulding, of course, makes the frame and can be cut to any size to fit your project. Frames are made from different materials. We carry only the finest wood and metal frames in a variety of stains and finishes.

FOAMBOARD/GATORBOARD

Four Corners carries both foamcore and gatorboard. These are the materials used for mounting a poster, print, or photo. Placed with an adhesive tissue into our vacuum heat press, this ensures that your artwork will not ripple or bow during changing climates.

Foamboard comes in both archival and regular quality. Gatorboard is not archival, but is much more firm than foamboard and is ideal for mounting art that will be displayed without a frame or in an uncontrolled climate.

GLASS/PLEXI

Clear glass is most commonly used, but today there are many options from which to choose. Conservation glass has UV blocking protective qualities and anti-reflective glass will take care of glare without blurring like traditional non-glare glass.

Here are some of our favorite links on fineartamerica.com:

beaches art

landscapes art

coastal art

coast art

water art

geometric digital art

abstract landscape art

food and beverage art

colorful art