Black and White Photography

You can purchase mat board for mounting and matting prints at most photo
supply stores. However, art supply stores and mail-order suppliers generally
offer a better or broader selection. Boards have these different characteristics.
Color. Boards are available in black, gray, and other colors, but most photographers
prefer white. Many shades of white are available, from cool and bluish
to warm and cream-colored. While there are no fixed rules, in general, the board
color should be fairly neutral and complementary and shouldn’t compete with
the photograph for attention.
Weight. Board is rated according to its thickness, designated as “ply.” For example,
2-ply board is lightweight, flexible, and economical; 4-ply board is
medium- to heavyweight, sturdier, and more expensive. A few photographers
use super-heavyweight 8-ply board for even more strength and protection.
Surface. Board comes in a variety of surfaces, from glossy to rough, and in
different textures. You will usually want a surface somewhere in between—flat
and matte, but not too rough or textured—to provide a neutral and attractive
border for your prints.
Quality. High-quality boards look good and age well, while cheaper boards
may discolor and deteriorate with time—or even cause mounted and matted
prints to stain over time. Rag board (made from 100 percent cotton fibers) or
acid-free boards are considered best for long-term display and storage.
Size. Boards come in various sizes and may have to be cut down (by the store
or by you) for use. Pick a board size that is compatible with the size of the print
you are mounting. Uncut 32" x 40" (or so) sheets are some of the most economical;

you’ll pay more for board precut to standard sizes, such as 8" x 10" or 11" x 14".

Tacking iron. A tacking iron is basically a small iron on a handle. The edges of

the iron are curved and covered with a nonstick surface, so the iron can be used

to tack dry-mount tissue to the back of a print and mat board in preparation

for dry mounting.

Protective cover sheet. You must protect your print and mat board from direct

contact with the heated top surface of the dry-mount press. Use a smooth piece

of mat board (1- or 2-ply) or other clean, smooth paper. Make sure the cover

sheet has no texture, dirt, or grit to mark the print once it is pressed.

Board or paper trimmer. You will need a method of trimming the borders off

prints and cutting mat board to size. There are commercially made board and

paper trimmers available, but be sure the blades are sharp and the trimmer is

properly aligned or you will get crooked (not square) cuts; board and paper

trimmers are similar except models for cutting board are heavier duty than

models for cutting paper. You also can use a sturdy ruler and cutting tool, such

as a utility knife or an X-acto knife, for trimming borders off prints or a heavier

ruler (preferably made of metal) and a stronger utility knife for cutting mat

board.

Cotton gloves. Lintless gloves are generally useful for careful handling of negatives

and prints. Use when dry mounting to help keep prints and mat board

clean. Most camera stores and mail-order suppliers sell cotton gloves.

Kneaded eraser, sandpaper, burnishing tool. If your mat board gets dirty, use a

kneaded eraser to clean it up; don’t use the pink eraser on the end of your

pencil as it may leave marks on the board. Use a very fine sandpaper or burnishing

tool, such as a burnishing bone or emery board, to smooth rough edges

of cut mat board.