This article tests your knowledge of picture framing basics so that you can frame confidently.  The article applies where you are doing it yourself, whether you are buying on-line or doing it in a retail store.  If you are unsure, you can click on the link in the question. This will take you to the article that has the answer. Download the answer sheet, which a detailed explanation of why the answer is what it is.

1.  A mat window should be (choose best answer)

☐ a. Cut to the exact same size as the artwork being framed
☐ b. Cut ½” larger than the artwork being framed
☐ c. Cut ½” inch smaller than the artwork being framed
☐ d. Cut ½” inch smaller than the artwork being framed
☐ e. Either c. or d. depending on the framer’s preference / requirements.

2.  Which is the best definition of a mat window?

☐ a. A mat window is a framing technical term for Plexiglas.
☐ b. A mat window is a small window cut either in the bottom center or bottom right of a mat for the artist’s signature.
☐ c. A mat window is cut based on the size of the frame
☐ d. A mat window is an opening that is cut into a mat board though which the artwork is viewed.
☐ e. The term “mat window” is not a framing term.

3.  As a general rule, which would look best with a metal frame?

☐ a. A very old painting such as the Mona Lisa.
☐ b. An oil painting of a county barn at the turn of the 20th century.
☐ c. Metals are such neutral molding that anything will look good in them.  This is why they are so popular.
☐ d. A water color drawing of the Eifel Tower
☐ e. A black and white photograph

4.  What is the purpose of matting?

☐ a. Matting holds the artwork in place within the frame. This is important to prevent shifting as the artwork hangs on the wall for years to come.
☐ b. Matting protects the artwork as it is pressed against the glass. It also compliments the artwork by drawing the eye towards the piece.
☐ c. Matting is only required with photographs, especially color ones.
☐ d. Matting covers the mounting board.
☐ e. Matting has no purpose in a frame.  It is simple done to make the frame look more sophisticated.

5.  Why should charcoal pieces not be framed with Acrylic glazing?

☐ a. The glare from the acrylic will significantly reduce the ability to view the piece.
☐ b. Items drawn by hand, such as with a pencil or charcoal, are not sophisticated enough to be framed.
☐ c. If the frame is very big, Acrylic should not be used because it will make the frame piece too heavy.
☐ d. The Acrylic will build-up static overtime and will pull the charcoal off of the paper and onto the glazing
☐ e. There is no reason not to use Acrylic glazing in this instance.

7.  How to choose mat color?

☐ a. Choose the opposite color on the color-wheel
☐ b. Use the same color matting as a minor color from the piece
☐ c. Find a dominant color and use either a darker or lighter shade of this
☐ d. Keep it simple with a traditional white or off-white mat
☐ e. All of the above are suitable guidelines

8.  Which of the following is not a type of glazing?

☐ a. UV reducing acrylic
☐ b. Anti-glare acrylic
☐ c. 8mm UV-reducing museum glass museum glass
☐ d. 3mm UV-reducing museum glass
☐ e. 3mm Anti-glare reducing museum glass

9.  Of the following which are the major components of a frame?

☐ a. The frame, glazing, first mat, second mat, artwork, and mounting board
☐ b. Glazing, matting, artwork, mounting board, and protective paper
☐ c. The frame, glazing, matting, artwork, mounting board, and protective paper
☐ d. The frame, glazing, matting, mounting board, and protective paper
☐ e. The frame, glazing, matting, artwork, mounting board

10.  Which is the primary benefit of Plexiglas over museum quality glass?

☐ a. It does not break as easily
☐ b. It is easier to cut
☐ c. It has better transparency characteristics
☐ d. It does not scratch as easily
☐ e. It is lighter in weight

11.  Which is the major drawback of self-sticking matboard?

☐ a. The glue can not be removed from the artwork without damaging it.
☐ b. It does not look nearly as nice as normal backing; a keen eye will see the difference
☐ c. It is used mostly on posters, which shouldn’t be framed anyway due to their low cost
☐ d. It is much more expensive than any other type of backing
☐ e. It is very difficult to use; only a professional framer will be able to do anything

12.  How do custom frames differ from standard frames?

☐ a. Custom frames are cut to
☐ b. Standard frames are always much better quality than custom frames.
☐ c. Custom frames are always much better quality than standard frames.
☐ d. Custom frames are only sold with matting.
☐ e. Standard frames are not sold with matting

13.  What is a rule of thumb of framing?

☐ a. The only real rule in framing is that for every rule can be broken, sometimes with beautiful results.
☐ b. Never use a wood frame with a black and white photograph
☐ c. Always use Ragmat (Cresccent) or Alpahmat (Bainbridge) matting to guarantee that the best matting is used.
☐ d. There is usually only one way to frame a piece beautiful; all other options will yield less-than-great results.
☐ e. The best wood molding designs are from Italy.

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