THE STRUCTURE OF MATBOARD
The matboard in the Moorman collection is structured of a number of layers. We may distinguish a front paper, a core and a backing. Specific requirements are set for each of these layers.
FRONT PAPER
Apart from the aesthetic requirements, the front also needs to meet high requirements regarding light-fastness. Moorman therefore obtains the paper for the front of its matboards from highly specialised paper mills which are able to attain the highest standards of quality.
BACK
The back (back covering) of the mat - i.e., the side that is not seen - is also important. After all, it is the side that comes into contact with the work. In other words, the material used for the back is the most likely to have an adverse effect on the work. This is why Moorman uses only very high quality paper for the back of all matboards. Paper that contains no acid and is buffered with calcium carbonate, which ensures that every Moorman matboard is of top quality.
CORE
The core is the heaviest component of matboard. Different types of cores are used in the Moorman collection, the most important of which are the standard core and the white acid-free cellulose core.
Standard core: The woodpulpboard core of standard matboard is made from high-quality, selected, extra-clean and fine virgin wood fibres. This provides a number of advantages. The extra-fine clean fibres minimise the possibility of black dots and ensure a lower lignin level. Moorman's high-quality woodpulpboard standard core is pH neutral and buffered.
White acid-free cellulose core: The acid-free white core is made of alpha cellulose and is wood- and lignin free, and is buffered with calcium carbonate. Moreover, the structure of the material ensures that it provides excellent protection from any outside influences.
Colored core: this core is identical to the white acid-free cellulose core, except that colour has been added. The coloured core provides additional aesthetic possibilities when framing. A contour line in a contrasting colour round the work may provide a specially refined effect.
White core: has a pH neutral, buffered white base. The back consists of very high-grade paper which is acid-free and buffered with calcium carbonate.
Cream, coloured core: The cream, coloured are also made of alpha cellulose and is wood- and lignin free. The back consists of very high-grade paper which is acid-free and buffered with calcium carbonate.
Black core: there is also the black, pH-neutral, core. This is buffered with at least 3% calcium carbonate. Matboard with a black core - you will find several items in the Moorman collection - can give an additional dimension to the work of art. The back of Moorman matboards with a black core is a dark-grey, smear-proof, high-quality buffered acid-free paper. The backing paper is the same quality as from the other types.