Paper vs. Suede: The Ultimate Matting Showdown for Your Framed Masterpiece
Alright, collectors, let's talk about the silent battle raging behind the glass of your framed memorabilia: Paper Matting vs. Suede Matting. This isn't just about texture; it's about color, cost, and the kind of statement you want your prized possession to make. While both options, in our humble opinion, result in absolutely stunning framed pieces (because, well, we frame them!), understanding the nuances can help you make the perfect choice for your next masterpiece.
Round 1: Color Choices – The Uncontested Champion?
This is where the gloves come off, and paper matting delivers a knockout punch. While suede matting provides a premium, undeniably luxurious look and feel, there's an inconvenient truth: it only comes in about 1/10 of the color choices of paper matting.
Imagine you're framing an iconic Philadelphia Eagles Kelly Green jersey. You want that top mat to be that vibrant, unmistakable, bright and bold Kelly Green. If that's your vision, paper matting is your only choice. Suede simply doesn't offer a matching shade, and frankly, a near-miss can look worse than a clear miss.
Now, if your heart is set on suede but your team's color isn't available, we're not without workarounds. As we've explored in our "Matting Masterclass" on color choices, we can always opt for a neutral suede (like a sophisticated gray or a deep black) for your top mat and then spice up the trim mat with a pop of your team's color in paper. It's a clever compromise that allows you to get that premium suede texture while still integrating your team's iconic hues. But yes, it does require that little bit of strategic design.
Round 2: Cost Factor – Every Penny Counts (But Not All Looks Are Equal)
Let's talk dollars and sense. While all our framing looks absolutely fantastic (we wouldn't let it leave the shop otherwise!), there is a difference in material cost. Suede matting costs us about $20 per sheet, and since we typically use two sheets per frame, that adds about $40 to the cost of your frame. Rest assured, we simply add this material cost into the framing price; we don't mark it up. We're about value, not nickel-and-diming for premium materials.
However, that extra investment delivers an undeniable "premium pop" that makes a tangible difference when hung next to a paper-matted piece. It's like comparing a regular season win to a Super Bowl victory – both are great, but one just hits different.
The "Hater" Conundrum: Strategic Suede Placement
This is a subtle, yet very real, consideration if you're planning a multi-piece display in a single room. Imagine your wall of framed glory. If you have a few pieces matted in luxurious suede and then, amidst them, a paper-matted piece for a key player, it might (unintentionally) appear as though you "cheaped out" on that particular player. We've all been there: "Why did he get the paper mat? Don't you like him as much?" Don't worry, we won't tell anyone you just wanted to avoid looking like a "hater"!
One excellent workaround for this potential social faux pas (and a truly thoughtful design choice) is to do the bulk of your frames in paper for your fan favorites and regular rotation players, and then reserve a special section in suede for your Ring of Honor and Hall of Fame caliber players. This strategy subtly communicates that you spent the extra to highlight the legends of the game, rather than implying a lack of foresight or appreciation for other players. It turns a potential inconsistency into a deliberate statement of reverence.
The Personal Touch: Your Vision, Your Choice
Ultimately, the choice between paper and suede is deeply personal. Both have their unique strengths. If you decide that paper matting, with its vast array of color options and its clean, crisp simplicity, is the look you want, then go for it! We assure you, no one will question it, and any jersey can receive the justice it deserves in a beautifully paper-matted frame.
Our goal at MVP Authentics is always to make your memorabilia look its absolute best. We provide these insights not to complicate your life, but to empower you with knowledge. Whether you opt for the boundless color versatility of paper or the undeniable premium feel of suede, rest assured, your framed masterpiece will be a testament to your passion and a true showstopper on your wall. What's your matting preference? Let us know in the comments!