Mats are used in framing photographs and artwork to center the focus of the picture and give it a sense of spatial depth. The addition of a sleek, well-cut mat can greatly enhance the look of any framed picture, but having a mat cut and frame made commercially can sometimes cost more than the picture itself.
What is a picture frame mat and how does it work?
What is a Picture Frame Mat? Protective picture frame mats are specifically designed to create space between the art or photo and the acrylic or glass front so air can circulate. This helps prevent condensation from building up inside the frame over time for better preservation.
What kind of picture mats do we offer?
We offer a range of custom picture mats such as decorative mats, acid-free mats, suede mats, metallic mats and oversize mats to get the look you want. Our color selection includes black and white, neutrals and rich colors perfect for layering mats and color matching with each piece of art.
What is the standard size of a photo mat?
Standard mat sizes go up to 32" x 40". Oversize mat sizes go up to 40" x 60". Wider mats emphasize the art while creating a highly professional, gallery-quality presentation. We recommend a mat at least twice as wide as the width of the frame.
How do I choose the best precut mats for framing?
Choosing a precut mat that fits into a standard-size frame is an easy and affordable alternative to expensive custom framing. Our picks below will help you find the best precut mats for your at-home framing projects. A mat adds polish and protection when displaying artwork, a photograph, or a document in a frame.
What are the colors of picture mats?
Why do you put a mat on a picture?
What Are Linen Liners?
How wide should a mat be for a gallery?
What size are rag mats?
How many mats are in a triple mat?
What is a protective mat for a picture frame?
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How do you use picture mats?
0:512:26How to Frame a Picture: With a Mat - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipJust going to separate the mat from the backing board and place your item face-up on the backingMoreJust going to separate the mat from the backing board and place your item face-up on the backing board leaving the glass in the frame.
Do picture frames need a mat?
Mats are an important part of the visual presentation in picture framing. Matting can be used to highlight a color in the artwork or room decor, accent a shape in the art, or simply increase the size to make a dramatic display (especially for small pieces).
What is picture mat material?
In the manufacture picture mat board, there are three components typically used. From our Economy, Conservation and Museum lines of picture matting, Redimat covers them all. Paper Mat Board (wood pulp) Alpha Cellulose Mat Board (purified wood pulp) RagMat Board (cotton)
Do pictures look better with a mat?
Mat Backgrounds The spatial effect of the added mat gives the image breathing room by providing a clean border that allows the artwork to shine. Larger prints will also benefit from a mat setting, and in both cases, mats provide a special refined appeal.
When should you mat a picture?
Mats help keep your artwork safe by separating the glass from the art or whatever it is being framed. Having a mat in between your artwork and framing glass is important because any condensation that might develop on the inside of the glass can be transferred to your art causing water damage, mold or mildew.
How much matting should a picture have?
2 to 4 inchesMany professional framers, including Frame Destination, recommend a mat border of 2 to 4 inches (unless you have a specific look in mind that calls for a wider or narrower mat). This provides the “traditional” framed look with a mat border that is equal on all sides and doesn't overwhelm the art.
How thick is a picture mat?
Matboard Thickness Matboard is typically measured in PLY, which is not standardized like inches, making it misleading. Mats come in either 4 PLY (0.040-0.052″) or 8 PLY (0.125″) but that doesn't mean all PLY are the same.
What is the cardboard around a picture called?
The thick material inside a picture frame is called a picture frame mat. It's typically sturdy like cardboard, but it isn't actually cardboard. Crafted out of sturdy mat board material, picture frame mats are an easy way to highlight a framed photo, art print, or map.
What can I use instead of mat board?
Use alternative forms of matboard: Scrapbooking papers (a wide selection can be found at any craft store), recycled, vintage papers (see above!), or even swatches of thick fabric can all be used to mat art and photography.
What is the purpose of matting?
Matting hides hinges, corner pockets and art edges that are better kept out of sight. Matting provides a resting place for the eyes, and can create a visually pleasing separation between artwork and its surroundings. Matting can highlight secondary and tertiary colors, and other visual elements within your art.
Why do we mat photos?
The mat serves as a layer of protection so that the image is not in contact with the glass. Especially if you have an original piece of art (like a pastel) or a photograph that you want to preserve for years to come. Another way that mats are used is to make an image stand out.
What does a mat do in a picture frame?
In the picture framing industry, a mat (or mount in British English) is a thin, flat piece of paper-based material included within a picture frame, which serves as additional decoration and to perform several other, more practical functions, such as separating the art from the glass.
How do you frame without a mat?
0:321:43How to Frame a Picture: Without a Mat - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPut your backing in if there's stuff the Flexi tabs let's just use a ruler to push any of them downMorePut your backing in if there's stuff the Flexi tabs let's just use a ruler to push any of them down turn it over tickets clean and there it is.
What does a mat do in a picture frame?
In the picture framing industry, a mat (or mount in British English) is a thin, flat piece of paper-based material included within a picture frame, which serves as additional decoration and to perform several other, more practical functions, such as separating the art from the glass.
Why are frames matted?
Matting can help to protect artwork. For artists and collectors, a mat allows unframed art to be handled without touching the art. A mat allows air circulation between the art and the glazing material (the glass or plastic sheet that covers the art in a frame.)
When to use a mount in a frame?
A mount draws the eye to the image and can enhance its appearance. A simple frame with a neutral mount ensures your image is the centre of attention. This combination is often found in galleries and is popular amongst interior designers.
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Amazon.com: precut picture mats
Acid Free 5 Pack 11x14 Pre-Cut Mat Board Show Kit for 8x10 Photos, Prints or Artworks, 5 Core Bevel Cut Matts and 5 Backing Boards and 5 Crystal Plastic Bags, Black
Amazon.com: Framing Mats
ZBEIVAN 8x10 White Picture Mats with Core Bevel Cut Frame Mattes for 5x7 Pictures- Pack of 12
Custom Matboards - 8x10 White Matboard (Copy) - Matboard and More
We sell pre cut mats and custom picture frames in any size, color and quantity. Our products also include custom matting, backing boards, clear bags, show kits, matboard value packs, custom plexiglass.
Pre-Cut Mats, Mounts, and Mat Frames - Cheap Joe's Art Stuff
Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff offers a variety of matboards, mounting board, pre-cut mats, mounts and mat frames for framing and presenting your artwork.
What are the colors of picture mats?
Our color selection includes black and white, neutrals and rich colors perfect for layering mats and color matching with each piece of art.
Why do you put a mat on a picture?
Mats create space between your picture and the acrylic or glass front for air to circulate which prevents condensation from building up that can cause mildew or buckling over time. To put it lightly, they’re kinda miraculous.
What Are Linen Liners?
For canvas art, you will need a custom linen liner instead of a custom mat for a frame. These liners can be paired with ¾ framed stretch canvases and linen liner-compatible frames so your canvas wall art looks just as refined as your framed photos and prints.
How wide should a mat be for a gallery?
Wider mats emphasize the art while creating a highly professional, gallery-quality presentation. We recommend a mat at least twice as wide as the width of the frame.
What size are rag mats?
Standard mat sizes go up to 32" x 40". Oversize mat sizes go up to 40" x 60".
How many mats are in a triple mat?
Triple mats have 3 mats. Try two neutral outer mats with a pop of color on a third mat around your picture. It adds loads of dimension and draws the eye inwards to your art and photos!
What is a protective mat for a picture frame?
Protective picture frame mats are specifically designed to create space between the art or photo and the acrylic or glass front so air can circulate. This helps prevent condensation from building up inside the frame over time for better preservation. It also provides a gallery-like aesthetic when framing documents , photos or other artwork.
What is a crescent gallery mat?
The cream core bevel, surface, and backing papers, which are buffered and pH neutral, offer excellent protection for your artwork.
What is a Blick mat?
Blick is pleased to offer a large selection of pre-cut mats for every occasion, from portable “all-in-one” solutions for art shows that include a pre-cut mat, backing, and self-sealing bag, to frame-ready options for home, school, office, or museum display.
What are Blick black core mats made of?
These pre-cut, 4-ply mats are made from high-quality matboard with a black bevel, core, surface, and backing papers that are buffered and pH-neutral. Surface papers are fade- and bleed-resistant.
What is Blick pre cut double mat?
Blick Pre-Cut Double Mats lend dimension and depth to your photographs as well as offering additional protection between the artwork and the glass. The surface papers are fade-resistant and bleed-resistant, and both the surface papers and backing papers are buffered and pH-neutral.
What is the Larson-Juhl archival mat?
Each Larson-Juhl Archival Mat Kit contains a white single or double archival mat, an acid-free foamboard backing, and a clear, self-sealing, archival bag to ensure long-term protection and preservation of your drawings, watercolors, photographs, and prints.
What is value pre cut mat?
Value Pre-Cut Mats are perfect for school art shows and temporary matting. Quality white pebble board. Inside beveled edge is die-cut and scored to bend the border inward. Can color it with a marker or paint for a double mat effect. (No backing sheets).
What are pre cut mats made of?
These economical pre-cut mats are made from acid-free pulp and fade-resistant papers to ensure long lasting quality. They have precision cut 45° bevel...
What are the colors of picture mats?
Our color selection includes black and white, neutrals and rich colors perfect for layering mats and color matching with each piece of art.
Why do you put a mat on a picture?
Mats create space between your picture and the acrylic or glass front for air to circulate which prevents condensation from building up that can cause mildew or buckling over time. To put it lightly, they’re kinda miraculous.
What Are Linen Liners?
For canvas art, you will need a custom linen liner instead of a custom mat for a frame. These liners can be paired with ¾ framed stretch canvases and linen liner-compatible frames so your canvas wall art looks just as refined as your framed photos and prints.
How wide should a mat be for a gallery?
Wider mats emphasize the art while creating a highly professional, gallery-quality presentation. We recommend a mat at least twice as wide as the width of the frame.
What size are rag mats?
Standard mat sizes go up to 32" x 40". Oversize mat sizes go up to 40" x 60".
How many mats are in a triple mat?
Triple mats have 3 mats. Try two neutral outer mats with a pop of color on a third mat around your picture. It adds loads of dimension and draws the eye inwards to your art and photos!
What is a protective mat for a picture frame?
Protective picture frame mats are specifically designed to create space between the art or photo and the acrylic or glass front so air can circulate. This helps prevent condensation from building up inside the frame over time for better preservation. It also provides a gallery-like aesthetic when framing documents , photos or other artwork.
