Original Gold Mat (Steps 4, 17 & 18)

4. Establish proper rebate depth.

We measured the total depth needed using stacks of 4 ply rag board. Our rag board stacks were made with small 2-inch by 3-inch size rag boards. In measuring we aimed for a snug fit. It is imoportant that the components are not squeezed, as the mat will distort since it is only held along its outer edge by the balsa wood spacers and is not held overall by the glass.

17. Clean original mat and attach interleaf mat.

The mats were cleaned with dust brushes and Absorene brand Print and Book cleaner. This product worked well as it does not abrade but does remove much more offset pastel and soil than just dusting.

The interleaf chosen was often a tan color 4 ply mat. The original mats were usually too small for the frame opening, and could shift and damage the pastel. The interleaf mat was cut to fit the frame without shifting. The interleaf mat was attached to the original mat with 3M 415 tape. If necessary a thin strips of mat board were attached to the interleaf mat to fill the empty space at outer edges where the smaller original mat did not extend. This step ensured that the too small original   mat would remain in plane behind the balsa wood spacers. Other original mats were lined with Microclimate intercept film. The Microclimate intercept film was attached to the mats by heat setting. Some mats and pastels were glued together and were not interleafed.

18. Replace mat and pastel into upright frame.