There’s a huge range of options to consider when buying custom mat cutting. Apart from colour and finish choices, there are a number of other considerations to be aware of. One such consideration is the size of your design. It’s also important to think about features like the colour of the accompanying frame and whether you’d prefer an acid-free solution.
At The Picture Factory, we have over 30 years’ experience in providing high-quality picture frame products to Melbourne. If you’re looking for a product like this, we’d love to help.
What is a Custom Mat Board?
A mat board, also known as a mount board or matboard, is the card border that sits between your artwork and the glass. It frames the image, keeps the print off the glass and gives the eye some breathing room around the subject.
If there’s a picture you want to display on your wall, chances are it’s something you treasure greatly. You want to protect it, but you also want to highlight its best features to everyone who walks past.
That’s why we recommend using a mat board for your frame. In addition to glass, these offer protection from any physical damage, while still allowing viewers to see all the details of the print. They also add an extra level of design.
If you’re looking for the best way to enhance your home decor while still showcasing its features, then picking out the right mat board is vital. One of the main reasons custom matting is used is to highlight particular colours or textures within an image. This helps to tie everything together visually.
Quality Framing Solutions to Preserve Your Memories
The acid levels, or pH levels, present in your mat board can affect whether or not your print fades. Acid-free, or pH neutral, options drastically reduce the risk of fading, so if this is important to you, you may like to consider this option.
You can also choose the thickness of the board. This comes down to preference more than anything, so it may be a good idea to look at different thicknesses and decide which one you like best.
The final decision to make is what colour you’re going to select. Remember that this should complement other colours used in your surrounding space. It’s important to choose something that’s not going to look too out of place, unless it’s an eclectic look that you’re going for.
MATBOARD FOR FRAMING, CUT TO SIZE
Bring in your print or send us the measurements, choose a colour mat board cut to size, and we’ll cut the window to suit. Our computer cut mats make double mats, multiple openings and unusual shapes far more affordable than hand cutting, so a photo mat board with three windows for a family collage costs little more than a single opening.
When choosing a frame mat board, think about the whole piece. A white or off-white picture framing mat board keeps attention on the art, while a coloured mat can pick up a tone from the image. For anything you want to keep long term, ask for acid-free board. Prefer to hand the whole job over? Our custom framing service takes care of the mat, frame and glass in one go.
About The Picture Factory
The Picture Factory was founded in 1991 as a family-run business. Today, our team is run by second-generation business owners, and our Heidelberg store continues to be a warm and friendly place to visit.
If you’re looking for any of the products we provide, we’d love to hear from you. You can get in contact here, so we can discuss your needs and tailor the perfect solution for you. Visit us at 639 Waterdale Road, Heidelberg West, or call (03) 9459 1777 to talk through matboard colours and sizes for your next project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is mount board the same as mat board?
Yes. Mat board, matboard and mount board are different names for the same card border. Framers in Australia tend to say mat board or matboard, while mount board is more common in the UK.
Can you cut a mat to fit a frame I already own?
Yes. Bring the frame and artwork into our Heidelberg West store, or send us the frame’s internal measurements and the size of your print.
Is acid-free mat board worth it?
For anything you care about keeping, yes. Standard board can yellow over time and discolour the edge of the print, which acid-free board is designed to avoid.
How wide should the mat border be?
It depends on the size of the piece and the look you want. Wider borders give small prints more presence on the wall, while narrow borders suit busy images. We can show you samples in store.
Is mount board the same as mat board?
Yes. Mat board, matboard and mount board are different names for the same card border. Framers in Australia tend to say mat board or matboard, while mount board is more common in the UK.
Can you cut a mat to fit a frame I already own?
Yes. Bring the frame and artwork into our Heidelberg West store, or send us the frame’s internal measurements and the size of your print.
Is acid-free mat board worth it?
For anything you care about keeping, yes. Standard board can yellow over time and discolour the edge of the print, which acid-free board is designed to avoid.
How wide should the mat border be?
It depends on the size of the piece and the look you want. Wider borders give small prints more presence on the wall, while narrow borders suit busy images. We can show you samples in store.