Rag Board

Rag Board

Rag Board is a high-quality, rigid mat board made primarily from cotton fibers (often cotton linters or cotton rag). It is valued for its durability, archival properties, and ability to resist acid and lignin degradation, making it suitable for conservation framing and long-term preservation of artwork.

Composition

• Made from 100% cotton fibers, ensuring strength and longevity.
• Free from acids, lignin, and optical brightening agents (OBAs) in archival-grade varieties.
• Available in various thicknesses and surface textures to suit framing aesthetics.

Uses

• Acts as a mat board in picture framing, providing a stable border around artwork.
• Used in conservation framing for paper-based artworks, prints, and photographs.
• Serves as a mounting substrate for delicate or valuable artworks.

Advantages

• Archival quality ensures artwork longevity by preventing acid migration and deterioration.
• Rigid yet lightweight, supporting artwork without warping or bending.
• Compatible with a variety of cutting techniques, including beveled and decorative cuts.

Considerations

• May be more expensive than standard wood-pulp paper mats.
• Should be handled with clean hands or gloves to prevent oils from transferring.

Related Terms

• Cotton Linters
• Museum Board
• Cotton Rag
• Rag Mat