Definition: Alpharag is a premium line of buffered cotton rag mat boards produced by Bainbridge. Considered among the highest standards in conservation and museum framing, Alpharag mats are made of 100% cotton linters, offering superior stability and longevity compared to wood-pulp-derived alternatives.

Overview

Bainbridge developed Alpharag as its flagship archival product, surpassing the alpha-cellulose-based Alphamat line. Because Alpharag boards are manufactured from naturally lignin-free cotton, they do not require chemical purification to remove impurities, and they resist acid migration and discoloration over centuries.

Conservation and Archival Considerations

Alpharag boards meet or exceed all recognized conservation framing standards, making them suitable for irreplaceable artworks, historic documents, and valuable photographs. The buffering agents (commonly calcium carbonate) help neutralize atmospheric pollutants. Unlike wood-pulp boards, cotton-based mats maintain pH neutrality for the long term without significant degradation.

Comparison with Other Mat Types

Alpharag vs. Alphamat: Alphamat is alpha-cellulose (purified wood pulp), while Alpharag is 100% cotton. Alpharag is more stable and typically reserved for museum-grade work.
Alpharag vs. Crescent Select: Crescent Select is alpha-cellulose, closer to Alphamat in quality. Alpharag ranks above both in archival performance.
Alpharag vs. Peterboro: Peterboro offers both decorative and conservation mats, but Alpharag is generally considered superior for museum-quality projects.
Alpharag vs. Rising: Rising also produces 100% cotton mats and is often used interchangeably with Alpharag in museum and fine art contexts.

Framing Applications

Used in museum framing of fine art, manuscripts, and photographs.
Ideal for projects requiring maximum longevity, especially when paired with UV-filtering glazing and archival hinging methods.
Preferred by conservators and museums when long-term preservation is paramount.

Common Misconceptions

"Alpharag and Alphamat are the same." False - Alpharag is cotton-based and of higher archival grade, while Alphamat is purified wood pulp (alpha-cellulose).
"All mats labeled acid-free are equivalent to Alpharag." False - many "acid-free" mats are decorative-quality and do not meet the same conservation standards.

Alpharag