Ever looked at a favorite photo or art piece and wondered how to make it pop in a frame? The secret is often in the mat—the border around your image that transforms its entire look. Choosing and fitting a custom mat isn’t just about aesthetics; it protects your artwork and helps it shine.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to select, measure, and install custom mats for framing, plus share tips to achieve a polished, professional finish.
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How to Get Custom Mats for Framing: A Comprehensive Guide
Choosing the right mat for your art, photograph, or collectable can transform a simple frame into a stunning focal point. Custom mats for framing allow you to personalize the presentation, protect your artwork, and enhance its appeal. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about custom mats—from design and ordering to practical tips and cost-saving strategies.
What Are Custom Mats for Framing?
Custom mats, or matboards, are thin, stiff pieces of board placed between your artwork and the glass of a frame. They serve both functional and decorative purposes:
- Protection: Keep art from touching the glass, preventing condensation and potential damage.
- Presentation: Enhance your piece by adding color, depth, and visual boundaries.
- Customization: Fit odd-sized art, create collages, or give a unique look to standard frames.
Unlike pre-cut mats, custom mats are designed to your exact dimensions, offering full creative control.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Custom Mats for Framing
Whether you’re an artist, photographer, or home decorator, here’s a simple roadmap to custom matting success:
1. Measure Your Artwork and Frame
- Artwork Size: Determine the dimensions of what you’ll be framing (width and height).
- Frame Size: Know the size of your frame’s opening (“frame size”).
- Border Width: Decide how wide you want the mat borders to be (commonly 2-4 inches).
Tip: The mat opening is usually cut slightly smaller (about 1/4 inch) than your artwork to prevent slippage.
2. Choose Mat Colors and Types
Custom mats come in a variety of colors, textures, and core options. Choices include:
- Single, Double, or Triple Mats: Add one or more layers for depth and color contrast.
- Color: Select hues that complement or contrast with your artwork and decor.
- Texture: Choose from smooth, linen, suede, or patterned surfaces.
- Core: Common core colors are white or black, seen as a thin line around the opening.
Advice: Use online designer tools to visualize different color combinations.
3. Select Specialty Features (Optional)
Go beyond the basics for a unique presentation:
- Multi-Opening Mats: Frame multiple images (e.g., collage boards).
- Die-Cut Shapes: Use custom cut-outs for creative or themed displays.
- V-Grooves: Engraved lines for a refined accent.
- Personalization: Add names, dates, or messages with printed mats.
- Archival Quality: Opt for acid-free or museum-grade materials to preserve valuable art or photos.
4. Decide Where to Order
You can source custom mats from:
- Local Frame Shops: Good for hands-on help and quick turnarounds.
- Specialty Matting Companies and Online Retailers: Offer vast selections, design previews, and shipping options.
Many online retailers provide easy-to-use design tools, a wide range of sizes, and ship directly to your door.
5. Provide Accurate Measurements and Place Your Order
Double-check measurements before ordering! Remember:
- Mat Size = Frame Size
- Mat Opening = Artwork Size (minus a small overlap)
Follow the site’s ordering process and confirm all details before placing the order.
Benefits of Using Custom Mats
Here are some reasons why custom-cut mats are a frame lover’s best friend:
- Perfect Fit: Exactly matches your frame and artwork, eliminating gaps or overhang.
- Enhanced Appearance: Elevates and focuses attention on your art or photo.
- Creative Freedom: Choose any combination of colors, layers, and shapes.
- Versatility: Accommodate odd-sized pieces, collages, or multi-photo displays.
- Professional Finish: Gives your framing a polished, gallery-ready look.
Challenges and Aspects to Consider
While custom matting unlocks endless options, be aware of a few challenges:
- Accurate Sizing is Critical: Improper measurements can result in ill-fitting mats.
- Potential for Higher Cost: Custom options usually cost more than off-the-shelf solutions.
- Waiting for Shipping: Custom mats may take time to produce and deliver.
- Limited Changes After Cutting: Once a mat is cut, it cannot easily be altered.
Tip: When in doubt, consult customer service or framing professionals.
Practical Tips and Best Practices
Here’s how to make sure your matting project is a success:
- Visualize Before You Buy: Use online mat design tools to preview color and border choices.
- Think Long Term: If you’re framing a valuable or irreplaceable item, select archival-quality (acid-free) mats.
- Mind the Overlap: Order the mat opening about 1/4 inch smaller than your art dimensions to prevent slipping.
- Layer for Impact: Double mats (two stacked) create visual interest and depth.
- Match with Décor: Consider where the frame will hang when choosing mat colors.
- Consider Multiple Openings: Great for family portraits, themed artwork, or travel photo collages.
- Order Extra: When possible, order an extra mat in case of mistakes during installation.
- Mat Depth: Ensure your frame has enough rabbet (depth) for thicker, multi-layered mats.
- Ask About Finishing: Some shops offer finishing touches like v-grooves, die-cut corners, or printed captions.
Cost Considerations and Shipping Tips
Custom mats can be surprisingly affordable, especially if you compare options:
- Size, Thickness, and Complexity: Larger or more complex mats cost more.
- Layers: Each additional mat layer increases material and labor costs.
- Special Features: Die-cuts, engravings, or special cores come at a premium.
- Bulk Discounts: Some suppliers offer discounts for larger orders.
- Shipping Costs: Mats are lightweight but fragile—opt for reputable packing and shipping.
Shipping Tips:
- Check Shipping Times: Custom mats might require a production time, so plan ahead.
- Look for Free Shipping Offers: Many shops provide free or discounted shipping above a certain order amount.
- Monitor Package on Arrival: Inspect mats immediately for damage so you can report issues promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How thick should a custom mat be for my artwork?
A standard mat is usually about 1/16 inch thick, but for extra depth or a premium look, you can choose thicker or double mats. Just make sure your frame is deep enough to accommodate the mats, backing, and glass.
2. Can I cut my own mat at home?
Yes, you can cut mats at home using a mat cutter and straightedge, but achieving perfect edges and corners is tricky without experience. For best results, especially with complex or multi-opening mats, professional cutting provides a cleaner look.
3. Are custom mats acid-free, and why does that matter?
Many custom mats now use acid-free materials, which prevent yellowing or deterioration over time. Acid-free (archival) mats are essential when framing valuable art, photographs, or anything you want to preserve for years.
4. How do I choose the right mat color?
Select a mat color that complements your artwork and doesn’t overpower it. Neutral colors (like white, black, and cream) are classic choices, while colored mats can highlight or enhance certain hues in your art or photo. Preview combinations online before committing.
5. What should I do if my mat arrives damaged or the wrong size?
Inspect your order as soon as it arrives. If there’s damage or a sizing issue, contact the supplier immediately—most reputable companies will replace faulty or damaged mats if you notify them promptly.
In Summary
Custom mats transform the way art, photos, and collectibles are displayed. The right matting can protect your treasures, enhance their beauty, and even create unique, multi-piece arrangements. With a bit of planning and attention to detail, you can easily get professional-quality results—whether you order online or in person. Remember to measure carefully, visualize your design, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it. Custom matting is more accessible, creative, and affordable than ever—unlocking the full potential of every frame in your home or gallery.