Jeff Z. , Nov 20, 2009; 11:28 a.m.
I wondered what people who have some experience with selling and exhibiting framed work think about this... Nothing that large, print sizes very seldom exceed 10 by 15 inches in 16 by 20 inch frames. So far, I've framed smaller prints (6 by 9" in 11 by 14 inch frames) with 8-ply, but for the larger ones, I've only used 4-ply.
The 8-ply seems to garner its share of attention, and I've considered ordering some for the larger ones, and/or compromising with 6-ply. Personally, I've always thought the 4-ply looked fine too, and yesterday, an experienced fine artist visited and gave me an honest compliment on a basic 4-ply treatment I'd given to a b&w image. She'd previously liked the thicker mats, but said that this was really nice and she seemed to be puzzled at her own reaction.
I've always been ambivalent about this whole issue, tending to like the 4-ply as it seems to give the image a nice "streamlined" appearance in the frame, but I really wondered what others' preferences were that have tried the various thicknesses? Does it really make that much difference? I'm not too worried about the practical realities of cutting the thicker board right now, just looking for aesthetic feedback/opinion. I'd appreciate experienced input as I need to order material soon. Thanks!
Dan N , Nov 20, 2009; 12:01 p.m.
For large print I think 8 ply is better. On 16x20 frame, 11x11 or 11x14 picture I use 4 ply but not happy with it, as time goes by it warps.
Michael Axel 
, Nov 21, 2009; 05:38 a.m.
Jeff, I really like the look of the 8 ply. They give a really quality (expensive) look to an image... a sense of importance. With anything under 16x20 frames, though, I think it is a bit overkill. I use a pro quality Logan cutter, and really don't like cutting 8 ply much, so maybe it depends on whether you do it yourself. While on the subject, I really like black-core matting. The other thing is 8 ply is very expensive to get into my little town. I've never seen 6 ply available from any of my suppliers. I'm wondering how I would even set up my mat cutter for it, but it sounds like a good option otherwise.
Jeff Z. , Nov 22, 2009; 12:35 p.m.
Dan, Thanks, I wondered if high quality 4-ply would warp over time? Not thinking that you're not using that now, but I just wondered. I have some pieces framed over ten years ago by a professional shop. I tend to doubt that the material is better than what I'm using now, if that, but it doesn't appear to have warped.
Hi Michael, Thanks very much. I kind of felt the same way about 8-ply up until now, and my friend's reaction to that particular piece. I'll have to look into black-core, too. Interesting; are you liking it for both color and b&w?
I've been getting my 8-ply from Frame Destination. I can't remember the pricing as I bought most in bulk a while back, but I think it was an excellent price, especially considering the trouble it might be to cut it oneself. Their cuts were near perfect, and for custom sizes they had an online calculator; of course one really must take their time in calculating border sizes for the customs, as once this is purchased I don't think it's returnable.
Michael Axel , Nov 22, 2009; 05:04 p.m.
I'll look into Frame Destination, but the best prices I've found so far are JerrysArtarama(.com).
