Materials Page 1
Rag Mats
"Rag" is a papermaker's term dating back to the 15th century when cotton rags and trimmings were the principal raw materials used for papermaking. The term continues to be used to describe papers and boards made of 100% cotton fibre. The Gutenberg Bible, the drawings of Renaissance masters, Shakespeare's first folio, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights exist today because they were printed or penned on cotton fibre paper. Cotton fibre paper is specified for currency, stock certificates and government documents because of its permanence. Cotton is used to make the finest type of paper and mat boards because it is the purest form of natural cellulose. Rag is strong, requires less processing, has a history of performance and it is an annually renewable resource, making it a better product for our planet. Both Rag and Rag "100" are 100% Cotton Fibre. The benefits of using Rag Mat are clear:
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Pure, natural 100% cotton fibre offers the ultimate in conservation of art on paper. |
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Naturally Acid and Lignin -Free - All components of Rag Mat Board are completely acid-free and do not contain alum, lignin or pollutants that would degrade artwork.. |
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Buffered with calcium carbonate, resulting in a pH of 8.5 - 9.5 according to independent laboratory TAPPI cold extraction test results. |
Crescent Cardboard Company
Alpha Pulp Cellulose Mats
Bainbridge Alphamat: Bainbridge has made a technological breakthrough with their new ARTCARE line of mats. Embedded in the boards are micro chambers that trap pollutants which can cause damage to artwork. In this way, these boards help to extend the life of the artwork. This technology is being used to reformulate the way Bainbridge produces the entire Alphamat line. Photographs respond well to this MicroChamber Technology which prevents accelerated yellowing. These mats are acid and lignin-free and are buffered to maintain an alkaline pH. Royale Art Salon uses Alphamat Artcare boards for mounting photographs.
Nielsen and Bainbridge has made a commitment to carefully use and replenish nature's resources. All of the raw materials used in our manufacturing process meet or exceed stringent environmental guidelines. Pulp used in the manufacture of our products is taken from trees grown on our tree farms. The trees used are grown naturally without the dangerous herbicides and pesticides and for every tree consumed, another is planted.
Most importantly, we use the safest materials throughout manufacture, adhesives that are both effective and environmentally sound, colourants that yield the cleanest shades and don't contaminate our waterways, and only virgin materials for all conservation products.
Mat Wrapping
While regular matting techniques are most often used and are most common, another service that Royale Art Salon provides is mat wrapping. Simply put, mat wrapping consists of using a material that matches curtains, wallpaper, sheets or any other desired look, and wrapping it onto a mat so that the artwork matches your decor. This technique is very effective and can be done with just about any type of material. We will also wrap 1/8 inch or 1/4 inch foam board and bevel the edges for a very unique bevelled look on the artwork. Please see Fred or Marie for more details.
