Custom Mat Boards Cut to Your Frame and Artwork
Picture Framing
Custom Mats & Custom Mat Boards
Custom-cut mat boards in standard and oversized dimensions. Single, double, and multi-opening mats cut precisely to your specifications, whether or not the frame comes from us.
What is a mat board?
A mat board is the flat decorative border that sits between your art and the glazing inside the frame. It protects the artwork from direct contact with glass or acrylic, defines the visual presentation, and provides breathing room that makes the framed piece feel intentional. A well-chosen mat can turn an otherwise plain frame into a gallery-quality presentation.
Mat board options
Single opening
One window, centered. The most common choice for photographs and prints.
Double opening
Two mats stacked with a small reveal of the inner mat for depth. Adds dimensionality.
Multi-opening
Collage layouts with multiple windows. For an integrated design path see our collage frames.
Custom shapes
Ovals, circles, and custom cutouts. The mat physically masks the print to the shape you specify.
For collage layouts, see collage frames.
Materials
- 4-ply standard. The default thickness for most framing projects.
- 8-ply thick. Double the depth at the bevel for a more substantial, gallery-grade look. Also adds physical clearance for textured artwork.
- Conservation / acid-free. For archival photographs, original art, and irreplaceable pieces.
For the full breakdown see the matboard guide.
Color and finish
The mat designer above shows the full color palette. For guidance on color pairings with different frame styles see the mat color selection guide and color combinations.
Mats for frames you already own
We cut mat boards to your specifications even if the frame is not from us. Just provide the outer mat dimensions (matches the frame opening) and the inner opening size. If you are not sure how to measure, send the frame dimensions and artwork dimensions and we will compute the mat opening.
Common Questions
What is a mat board?
A mat board is the flat decorative border that sits between your art and the glazing inside a picture frame. It protects the artwork from contact with glass or acrylic, defines the visual presentation, and provides breathing room that makes the framed piece feel intentional rather than crowded.
Can I order a mat board without a frame?
Yes. We cut mats to your specifications whether or not the frame comes from us. Specify the outer dimensions and the inner opening size, choose color and ply thickness, and we ship the cut mat to you.
How is the mat opening size measured?
Measure the visible portion of the art you want to show, then subtract about 1/4 inch on each side so the mat overlaps the art slightly and the piece does not slip through. We can also compute it for you; just provide the artwork size.
What is the difference between 4-ply and 8-ply?
4-ply is the standard thickness used in most framing. 8-ply is double-thick and creates a deeper shadow at the bevel, giving a more substantial, gallery-grade presentation. 8-ply also adds physical depth between the art and the glazing, which matters for pieces with texture (pastels, charcoal).
Can you do double or triple mats?
Yes. Double mats stack two colors with a small reveal of the inner mat at the opening; triple mats add a third. Doubles are typical for photographs and add depth without competing with the art. Triples are usually reserved for ornate pieces or specific design choices.
Do you cut custom shapes?
Yes, including ovals, circles, and custom cutouts for multi-opening (collage) layouts. For collage layouts with multiple openings, see our collage frames hub for the integrated design path.
Are your mats acid-free?
Our conservation mat options are acid-free and lignin-free, suitable for archival and conservation framing. Standard mats are also alpha-cellulose for color stability. For irreplaceable art and photographs, choose the conservation option.
How long does mat cutting take?
Standard mats typically cut and ship within a few business days. Multi-opening, custom shapes, or large oversized mats take longer; the order confirmation will give a specific shipping window.