Can you paint an old mat that was around a picture?

Forums: Art, Matting, Picture Mats, Paint Techniques, Framing Art Work
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I want to replace some art work in frames that have beautiful mats. The mat color does not work with the art work I want to use. I would like to complete this little project without spending too much cash. Is it possible to paint the mats and reuse them? If so, is spray paint the way to go?

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[+3] - oldkatie - 09/06/2008I don't know but the original framed artwork was expensive so I guess the mats are of pretty good quality. I figure not ventured, not gained so I think I'll give it a shot.

@oldkatie,

I think that if you want to change the color and are okay with the possiblity of screwing up the mats, then you have nothing to lose.

Yes, to spray paint. I'd apply it evenly and thinly. If the mat starts to curl, wait until it's dry. If it's still curled up when dry, try spraying the other side to flatten it.

Good luck!

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@oldkatie,

Yep... tho if it is a thin card mat, do be careful. Nothing waterbased. Spray I would have thought would be the best and easiest....

possibly tho acrylics if the mat is thick enough and depending on whether it is textured at all.

Good luck with it.

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What kind of mat? Paper?

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@eoe,

I don't know but the original framed artwork was expensive so I guess the mats are of pretty good quality. I figure not ventured, not gained so I think I'll give it a shot.

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@oldkatie,

Yikes!
Good luck.

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@oldkatie,

Personally, I'd consider using an acid free stock paper in the back, and acid free tabs, without a mat. And.. I'd save the old mat. An old mat can go with other old-seeming art.

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@oldkatie,

I'd think twice about doing this. You said the original artwork was expensive? If you paint the mat, what will keep the paint from adhering to the artwork over time?

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@ossobuco,

well, as it turns out I can get the mats off to begin with. Somehow or other they are adhered together. So, I'm just going to take mats and prints out and put new artwork in after having some new mats cut. Good to know that I could possibly paint the mats though.

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@Eva,

I wasn't planning on keeping the artwork at all. Although the prints were expensive they are not very attractive (to me at least, these were purchased by my husband years ago). However, now that I can't use the mats anyway, I will offer the prints and mats on Freecycle and maybe someone else will enjoy them.

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@oldkatie,

Good idea! I like that...

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@oldkatie,

Before painting the mat, I would telephone a art expert to learn what damage could occur due to acid.

An expert framer uses only acid-free materials to protect the painting.

BBB

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@oldkatie,

A friend did exactly what you are wanting to do. She reused the mat and frame for a pen and ink drawing. The original mat was cream colored. She used bronze/brown shoe polish on the mat. The end result of the bronze mat on pen and ink with black frame was gorgeous. I don't know about longevity.

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Can you paint an old mat that was around a picture?

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