M

Framing Terminology

Pages in alphabetical order

A B C D E F G H I J K L >M< N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Mat
(US) A Picture mount (window mount)
Matcutter
..
Matt
Nickname for Matthew.
Matte
Non reflective surface. (antonym: Glossy)
MDF
Medium Density Fibreboard. Low cost rigid backing board. Typically used in clip frames, ready made frames, and framing not requiring any special conservation or archival properties.
Metal Leaf
Metal leaf: (imitation gold leaf) usually an alloy of zinc, copper and other metals (eg. aluminium). A finish that was used on mass produced old frames and many reproduction frames. It is also known as Dutch Gold, Dutch Metal, or imitaion gold leaf. It is very cheap. If not sealed, it will tarnish (oxidisation). The tarnishing is a giveaway that the leaf is not gold.
Moulding
Moulding is cut and joined to form the decorative front wooden part of the frame. General usage - refers to moulding stock ("sticks").
Mount
(UK) A Picture Mat (window mat)
Mountcutter
(MatCutter) a) A Machine comprising a straight edge, margin stops, and a blade which cuts bevelled apertures into mount board (mat board) b) A person who cuts mounts (mats)
Mountboard/Matboard
  1. Musuem Mountboard : Virgin Cotton fibre, containing no post consumer water re-cycled fibre). Naturally lignin free. Buffered with calcium carbonate to a pH range of 7 to 9.5.
  2. Conservation Mountboard : virgin wood pulp. Containing no post-consumer waste. Chemically purified to remove the lignin and buffered with calcium cargbonate to a pH range of 7 to 9.5.
  3. White Core Mountboard : Wood pulp chemically purified to remove the lignin, buffered with calcium carbonate to pH of 7 to 9.5.
  4. Standard Mountboard : Un-treated wood pulp buffered with calcium carbonate to a pH range of 7 to 9.5. Contains lignin wich will cause the core to turn brown.