This article tests your knowledge of picture framing basics. You can download the answer sheet, which contains 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 simply 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 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 over time and will pull the charcoal off 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 with it

12.  How do custom frames differ from standard frames?

☐ a. Custom frames are cut to a customer's specifications in order to best fit the artwork 
☐ 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 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 beautifully; all other options will yield less-than-great results
☐ e. The best wood molding designs are from Italy

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