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Custom Mats FAQ

Dec 12, 2023

Enhance the appeal of your artwork and protect it with a personalized frame mat that perfectly complements your piece.

What is a picture frame mat?

With quality picture frame mats and the right know-how, you can mat any artwork or photos like an expert.

Learn how to start your custom mat project with these helpful hints and tips.

Choosing the right mat for your frame

With quality picture frame mats and the right know-how, you can mat any artwork or photos like an expert.

Learn how to start your custom mat project with these helpful hints and tips.

1. Number of mats

Start by deciding on the quantity of mats you want to use. Is a classic single mat sufficient, or do you want to make a bolder statement with double layers?

2. Mat type and material

Select the type of picture mats that work best for your piece. The material and texture of your mat matters, so choose from our mat options for your prints and photos.

3. Mat color

Once you know how many and the type of mats you need, explore our range of mat color options to find the most complementary custom picture mats for your artwork.

4. Mat size

Measure the portion of the artwork or photo that you want visible through the window of the mat to get the inner dimensions. If you already have a picture frame in mind, the frame size will help you determine the outer dimensions of your mat. If you don’t have one yet, we’ve got many picture frames to choose from to accompany our custom mats for frames. You can pick a frame that accommodates your photo or artwork as well as the mat width you want.

Matting 101

With quality picture frame mats and the right know-how, you can mat any artwork or photos like an expert. Learn how to start your custom mat project with these helpful hints and tips.


Mat Width

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.

Diagram depicting mat width should be at least double the frame width

Double Mats

Consider using white or a neutral color on top. The inner mat closest to your artwork, punch up the color by matching the mat to a dominant color in the artwork. This color contrast is a nice way to make your art pop.

framed print of child holding balloon resting against a wall

Color Choice

It’s best to choose a mat that complements the artwork. Choose a mat no lighter than the lightest color within your art and no darker than the darkest color. These simple guidelines will help add to your art.

Photograph of golden flowers within a golden frame hung on a wall

Mats in every size and color!

We offer decorative mats, acid-free rag mats, decorative suede mats, metallic mats, acid-free suede mats and oversize mats in colors from white to black, yellow to purple and everything in between.

Single mat options are available for image sizes up to 36" x 56". Double mat options are available for image sizes up to 34" x 54".

Framed painting of a lady in a red dress hung on a wall
Four corner shots of different frame types
Corner shot of a golden frame hung on a wall
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