How to Mat your Art? A Guide to Mats & Frames

When it comes to framing your art, matting is one of the most important (and often overlooked) decisions. A mat not only enhances the presentation of your piece but also protects it long term. If you're wondering whether you should add a mat your artwork and how to do it, you're in the right place. At Pictureframes.com, we make it easy to choose the perfect mat and frame combo to elevate your art effortlessly.

What Is a Mat, and Why Does It Matter?

A mat (or mat board) is a thick paper-based material that sits between your artwork and the frame. It creates a visual border around the piece and serves a few key purposes:

•Visual Impact: A well-chosen mat can draw attention to the artwork, provide breathing room, and give it a polished look.

•Protection: Mats keep the artwork from touching the acrylic, reducing the risk of mold, condensation, or ink transfer.

•Preservation: Acid-free mats help prevent discoloration or damage over time.

Should You Mat Your Art?

It depends on your goals and the piece itself. Here are a few guidelines:

You should mat your art if:

•You want a more formal or professional presentation.

•The piece is delicate, valuable, or original.

•You’d like to protect it long-term (especially for photographs, watercolors, or pencil drawings).

• You're framing for a gallery wall or gift and want a clean, elevated look.

You can skip the mat if:

• You're going for a modern, minimalist style.

• The piece is already mounted or has a border built in.

• You're framing posters, canvas prints, or thicker art that doesn't benefit from matting.

• You don’t want to cover the edges of your art, as mats typically overlap the image slightly to keep it securely in place.

How to Mat Your Art with Pictureframes.com

We've made it simple to get a custom-matted, custom-framed piece shipped right to your door.

Upload or Measure Your Art

If you're printing with us, just upload your file, review and adjust your sizing. If you’re framing something at home, input the exact dimensions of your artwork.

Choose Your Frame Style

Select from a variety of handcrafted frames from modern metals, rustic woods, ornate classics, and more. Use our filters to sort by color, width, style, or art type.

Pick a Mat (or Mats)

Here’s where the magic happens. Choose from:

• Single mats for a clean, contemporary look.

• Double mats to add depth and richness.

• Wide mat borders for dramatic effect and added breathing room.

Our mats come in a wide range of shades from bright white to soft linen to bold colors. You can customize your mat borders to either 1, 1.5 or 2 inches.

Preview It Instantly

Use our online preview tool to see your art with different mat widths, colors, and frames. Adjust until it feels just right.

Add Finishing Touches

Want UV-protective acrylic? Need a foam core backing? Add it all right in the builder. We'll ship everything ready to hang.

Expert Tips for Matting Art

• Stick to neutrals: Whites, creams, and grays let colorful art shine. Colorful mats can make black and white art stand out.

• Use wider mat borders for smaller pieces: It helps your art look more substantial.

• Double mats = dimension: A second, thinner mat in a contrasting color adds a subtle pop.

Ready to Frame?

Whether you're matting a treasured family photo, your child’s drawing, or a limited-edition print, mats can transform your piece into something truly special. At Pictureframes.com, we give you the tools to do it your way with premium materials, endless customization, and no guesswork. Start designing now and see how the right mat and frame can elevate your art.