If you have recently graduated from college or perhaps your local high school, it’s important to frame your diploma.
This is a representation of the hard work you have gone to in order to receive this achievement. Many people will want to frame their diplomas.
However, it needs to be done properly to protect the document and allow it to last as long as possible.
One of the best places to choose a proper mat board to provide a good backing. Here are tips that you can use when choosing a mat board for your diploma:
What Is A Mat Board?
A mat board is simply a very heavy piece of paper-like material, one that is used when framing pictures. In some ways, it is very similar to cardboard.
It is very thick and is positioned between your picture and the frame. You will want to choose a proper material, as well as a color so that it emphasizes the picture that you are displaying.
In this case, you are displaying your diploma, which means the mat board itself may not even be visible when people see your diploma within the frame.
However, it is advisable that you choose a frame that is significantly larger than the diploma itself.
How To Get Started
The first thing you will need is a custom frame. This should be designed to represent your diploma in the most elegant way possible.
It will showcase the document and, at the same time, emphasize your diploma in the center. You will need to use a high-quality mat in the background.
Preferably, it should be a darker material than the diploma, typically printed on a brighter piece of paper. This contrast will allow it to stand out and be showcased properly by the frame itself.
Choosing a Mat Board For Framing
You have several options when it comes to choosing a matboard for framing your diploma. First of all, it could be a standard mat board that is simply darker than the color of the diploma. Second, you can pay for extra imagery on the mat board, which will provide a secondary frame around the diploma.
People often choose their high school or college mascot, positioned at the top, and the name of the college or school at the bottom.
Finally, you can choose a mat board that has a more picturesque quality. Perhaps a background represents the environment or location of your school.
Final Thoughts
As a general rule, you will get the best results if you choose a mat board that will be at least an inch wider than what you are displaying.
In the case of a diploma, a couple of inches will be much better for emphasizing this document. It is also recommended that you choose from 4-ply to 8-ply when selecting a mat board based on how sturdy it will be.
You may want to focus on only a darker background for your mat board as this will highlight your diploma much more easily
Finally, always choose a paper mat that is made from treated wood pulp. This will be acid-free, which will help maintain the integrity of your diploma for many years to come.
The quality of the mat board should be at least four-ply, getting enough thickness to provide a solid backing.
You can actually purchase uncut black mat boards if you are doing something more basic or cutting the mat yourself.
Some come in different colors and different shapes, and you can also make special orders for those that will have pictures and images.
Once you receive this, you should be able to easily frame your diploma in the way that you have envisioned.
