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Q1 : Does my artwork need a mat?
Whether or not to add a mat to your image is entirely up to you. If you intend to sell the artwork or pass it down as a family heirloom, an acid-free mat is a good idea to protect the image from the condensation that may occur on the glass. But if you are simply framing family photographs or an art print, the mat is a purely aesthetic option.
Order online:
Custom-cut matboards
Full sheet, 32x40" matboard |
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Q3 : What is backing board?
Backing board is used to back or mount prints inside a frame.It is slightly thinner than a 4-ply matboard. It
Order online: Backing Boards |
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Q4 : Do you sell full sheets (32 x 40)?
We currently sell full matboard sheets (32x40") in certain colors.
Order online:
Full, 32x40" matboards |
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Q5 : What is the purpose of a mat?
Matting is the border that surrounds your art within the frame. Visually, the mat boards provide "breathing room" from any distractions on the surrounding wall including the frame. The other usage of Mat is separating the artwork from the plexi or glass. |
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Q6 : Should I get an acid-free mat or a regular mat?
Acid- and lignin-free mats guarantee no artwork degradation will occur because of the mat for hundreds of years. If you plan to sell your piece or show it in a gallery, a Museum core mat board is advisable. However, if you are simply framing an inexpensive piece or a print to show in your home, you should be fine with a regular mat.
Even our regular mats are treated with calcium carbonate to keep them acid-neutral for 100 years. |
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Q7 : How do I choose the best color mat?
A colored mat is a great way to enhance or draw out certain sections of your artwork. At the same time, a colored mat can have a detrimental effect if it does not flatter the artwork colors. Try laying different mats on top of your artwork to help you decide. If no color seems to fit, a mat in one of our many shades of white is always a good choice.
Order online:
Custom-size mats |
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Q8 : How much of my image will the mat cover?
The mat will cover 1/8" to 1/4" on each side of your image. This overlap is essential to ensure your artwork remains behind the mat and does not fall through. We recommend the default overlap of 1/4", but if your artwork has many important details along the edges that you do not want obscured, we can cut the mat to have an 1/8" overlap.
If your image has a white border around it, do not cut this off prior to matting. We can minimize the amount of overlap on the actual image if there is enough space around the edge. |
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Q9 : What is the difference between regular, conservation, and museum mat boards?
Regular mat boards are made from wood pulp, treated with an acid-neutralizer that minimizes negative reactions between the mat and artwork. They are our least expensive mat board.
Conservation mat boards have a core of acid- and lignin-free cotton, and a facing of wood pulp paper. They protect the artwork from acid burn and degradation for at least 100 years, and have a mid-range cost.
Museum core mat boards are made entirely of cotton rag paper. They are guaranteed to have no adverse reaction with artwork for hundreds of years. Museum mat boards are the most expensive and the best quality. |
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Q10 : Do you have more mat options than are on your website?
We do carry other options for mat boards, but they need to be ordered in, and this can delay your order. Please contact us if you require a different mat. |
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Q11 : How wide should my mat be?
The width of the mat is up to the customer, but we can provide some general guidelines.
For average sized artwork (about 11x14" to 30x20"), the common mat width is 2". If you artwork is smaller, you might consider a 1.75 or 1.5" mat. If you artwork is very large, a 3" or 4" mat may be necessary to ensure an aesthetically pleasing ratio.
Please see our article Measuring for Mats for more information. |
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Q12 : How do I order a mat board with my frame?
When you select the frame size to order, you will see an option to add "mats" to your order. When you select this, you can choose your mat color. The mat width is the thickness on one side, between the frame and the artwork (generally about 2"). If you are selecting two mats, the reveal is the amount of the bottom mat that will show between the artwork and the top mat. |
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Q13 : Do you carry different thicknesses of mat boards?
We can make your order with 8 ply mat boards in basic colors, however we do not keep them in stock, so ordering them may delay your order by a few days. We offer a wide selection of colors in the regular 4 ply thickness, and a double mat is a good option if you require a thicker division between plexiglass and image. |
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Q14 : Can I come into your store to choose a matboard?
If you are located in the Vancouver area, you are welcome to stop by our store and go through our mat samples. Unfortunately, we are an online business and do not have storefronts in other locations. |
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Q15 : Can I get a mat larger than 32x40 inches?
Unfortunately, our mat boards do not come in a larger size than 32 x 40, so we are unable to accommodate oversize mat orders. Have you considered having your artwork printed with a colored border?
Another option for larger artwork is to purchase a linen liner. Because these are custom made like picture frames, you can order larger sizes. Please note, however, that liners are thicker than matboards, and may require a frame with a deeper rabbet.
Order online: Full, 32x40" Matboards |
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Q16 : What brand are your mat boards?
Our mat boards are made by Peterboro. This Canadian company has been in the paper-making business since 1902, and their products are manufactured in and distributed from Canada. |
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Q17 : What is the difference between mat, matt, and matte?
Though "mat" is the most widely recognized spelling, all three words mean the same thing: a rigid paper border that divides the image from the glass and the frame.
"Matte" or "matt" may also refer to a smooth, non-reflective finish. |
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Q18 : How many different matboard colors do you carry?
We stock 50 regular matboard colors, as well as about 30 conservation and 18 museum core colors. However, we are able to order any color you would like. Contact us if you do not see the color you want on the website. Please remember that ordering a mat we do not have in stock will delay your order a few days.
Order online, or view our full selection in stock: Matboards |
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Q19 : What is the mat offset?
The offset is the amount that your mat is smaller than your image. This slight overlap ensures your artwork will not fall through your mat. However, you do not need to factor this measurement into your calculations - we will automatically cut your matboard 1/8" to 1/4" smaller on each side than your artwork size. |
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Q20 : What calculations do I need for ordering a mat?
All you need to know is the size of your artwork, and the width of the mat border (usually about 2" on each side). Both these amounts can be entered in our online form when you place your order.
We will do all other calculations for you, such as the mat offset and the total frame size.
Please see our article, Measuring for Mats for more information. |
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Q21 : What is the mat window?
The mat window, or mat opening, is the space between the two inner edges of the mat - the hole through which your artwork will show. The mat window is generally 1/4" to 1/2" smaller than your artwork vertically and horizontally. This allows for the mat offset, which overlaps your image 1/8" or 1/4" on each side, keeping the art from falling through the mat. |
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Q23 : What is the fifference between 4 ply or 8 ply matbaords?
Ply is the thickness of the matboard. The most common thickness used is 4 ply (around 1/16th of an inch) and double thick matboards are 8 ply or roughly 1/8 inch thick. The higher the number, the thicker and more rigid the board. Ply means a thickness or layer. |
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