Reverse Bevel

A Reverse Bevel - refers to a specific type of angled cut made on a mount board (or mat board) where the edge slopes inward, underneath the top surface of the board. Unlike a standard bevel—which angles outward and exposes the core of the board around the window opening—a reverse bevel keeps the angled edge hidden from view when looking at the artwork straight on.

This technique creates a clean, straight edge around the window opening, where the mat meets the artwork. Because the angle is concealed beneath the surface, the result is a crisp and minimal visual border, offering a modern and seamless aesthetic.

Applications of Reverse Bevel Cuts:

• Installing Fillets: When combining a mat board with a decorative fillet (a small moulding), a reverse bevel allows for a flush fit, ensuring the fillet sits cleanly against the window edge without visible gaps or distracting bevels.

• Pastel and Charcoal Artwork: Reverse bevels are especially useful when framing delicate dry media like charcoal or pastel. If stray particles fall off the artwork, they drop behind the mat rather than accumulating on a visible bevel edge, helping maintain a clean presentation over time.

• Contemporary or Minimalist Framing: For clients or displays where a clean, squared-off window is preferred, reverse bevels eliminate the visible angle and core colour, offering a sharp, professional finish.

• Overall, a reverse bevel is a subtle but highly effective technique in conservation framing and high-end presentation, used both for its aesthetic clarity and its practical benefits in artwork protection.