What is a matboard?

Matboard is an important part of the display of your photographs and works of art on paper.  In terms of appearance, the matboard creates a space between your artwork and the frame.  This space borders and defines the edges of your artwork.

The matboard also serves another important purpose – it protects and preserves your artwork.  The matboard creates a barrier between the artwork and the glazing.  It can also protect your artwork from acidic erosion.  If you want your artwork to last a long time, you can mat your artwork with archival, museum-quality matboard.

What are some things you should consider before buying matboard?

If you are selling matted (but unframed) prints at an art fair, consider the quality of the print – is it limited edition or open edition?  Is it a high-quality giclee or an inexpensive poster?  All of these factors will need to be taken into consideration when determining what type of mat board to buy for your artwork.  If the artwork that you are selling is a high-quality reproduction or a one-of-a-kind work of art, then you will want to choose museum-quality matboard.  If the artwork is a lower-cost open edition print, then you can opt to use a pH neutral or economy matboard.  If you are selling framed artwork, you will want to mat your artwork with the best possible matboard for archival purposes.

At Documounts, you can buy Pre-Cut Matboard, Market-Ready Mat Kits, or custom matboard.  We offer matboard in a variety of colors and sizes, as well as differing degrees of quality (in terms of conservation and acidity). Our specialty is custom cut mats, which we can create in nearly any size that you need.  We also sell sheets of uncut matboard so that you can either cut your own mats, or use the mat board as a mounting board or backing board for your art.

For all your matting, mounting and framing needs, shop at Documounts!

Choosing the right frames and matting are important when you want to present your art with style.  Frames and matting are an integral part of the artwork, completing and enhancing the overall display or your artwork.  For this reason, artwork is simply not complete without frames and matting!

You want to choose frames and matting that accentuate the artwork, without overwhelming the piece.  After all, you want the artwork to be the center of attention, not the frames and matting.  At Documounts, we offer several different types of frames and matting that form an endless combination of possibilities for the display of your artwork.  Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Simple light wood frames and matting in neutral colors are ideal for nearly any kind of decorating style.  If you will be selling artwork at a gallery or an art festival, these types of frames and matting would appeal to a wide variety of potential customers.

• Dark wood frames and matting in neutral or white colors create a more sophisticated look. The same can be said for gold frames and matting in white.  These types of frames and matting would appeal to customers who aim to create a more elegant look.

• Black frames and matting in white create a modern look that can work well within a wide range of decorating styles.  Artwork with these types of frames and matting are an excellent choice for gallery showings.

• Metal frames and matting in white work well for displaying black and white photography, which would showcase the artwork splendidly in a contemporary decorating style.

Documounts offers everything you need to display your artwork – from frames and matting to hanging supplies and mounting adhesives.  When you buy frames and matting from Documounts, you save when you buy in bulk.  This makes Documounts an ideal place to pick up everything you need to gear up for art festivals and gallery showings!

Buying a custom cut mat is easy when you order online from Documounts.  If your artwork doesn’t fit into the dimensions of standard pre-cut mats, there’s no need to go through the hassle of learning to cut mats on your own.  You can quickly and conveniently order your custom cut mat from Documounts, where we will expertly and efficiently cut mat exactly to your needs!

To determine the size of your custom cut mat, first measure the artwork, then ask yourself these two questions:

• Does your artwork have a blank space or border between the edge of the artwork and the edge of the paper?

or

• Does the artwork go all the way to the edge of the paper?

The answer to this question will determine the size of the window opening of your custom cut mat.  For instance, if your artwork is 5” wide by 10” tall, but there is a 1” blank space between your artwork and the edge of the paper on all four sides, then you can order a custom cut mat that has a window opening of 5” x 10”.  However, if your artwork is 5” x 10” and it has no blank space because the artwork continues all the way to the edge of the paper, then you will need to order a custom cut mat that is ¼” smaller on each side of the artwork.  The window opening for your custom cut mat would therefore be 4.5” x 9.5”.

Please note that when you order a custom cut mat from Documounts, always list the width of the artwork first, and the length second.

Next, decide how big you want the custom cut mat to be.  You can create a thin mat or a wide mat – it’s entirely up to you!  A custom cut mat that is 1” wide on each side will create a completely different look than a custom cut mat that is 3” wide on each side.  Take this into account when determining the size you want for your custom cut mat.

When you buy more than one custom cut mat in the same size, you will save more money the more you buy.  This is ideal for artists who expect volume sales at art festivals and gallery showings.  In addition to custom cut mats, you can also buy everything else you will need for displaying and selling your artwork at Documounts – from mountboard and frames to adhesives and wires! You can start shopping for custom mats here.

When it comes time to choose the art mat that best complements your work, the selection can be overwhelming.  Choosing the best art mat for your project can be a challenge; especially since the type of art mat you choose may vary based on how you intend to display your work.  For those who plan on selling their art at fairs or festivals, a simple white mat may suffice.  Others who plan on showcasing their work at galleries or in studios may desire an art mat that is thicker or one with color.

So how do you know which art mat to choose?  Use these 5 tips to choose the best art mat for your work.

Tip # 1 – Know when to choose archival quality art mat.

For artist framing limited edition pieces and one of a kind artwork, choosing an art mat that is of archival quality is essential.  An archival quality art mat has been treated so that all of the acids are removed from the paper.  Archival quality mats will protect and preserve your art for years to come.

Tip # 2 – Choose a high end art mat for a gallery quality look.

If a gallery quality look is important to you, consider a higher end art mat such as the Bainbridge Alphamat, Alpharag or Top Mat Alphamat.  All of these matting options provide a high end look and feel for your artwork.  Click here to view our gallery quality art mat options.

Tip # 3 – Consider the thickness of the art mat.

Top quality art mat comes in several thicknesses.  Bainbridge offers art mat in 4, 6 and 8 Ply thicknesses.  The Alpharag archival quality art mat comes in both the 4 and 8 Ply thicknesses.  The 8 Ply Alpharag is 1/8” thick; twice the thickness of a standard mat.  An 8 Ply art mat will provide a bolder more sculpted bevel.

The Bainbridge Top Mat Alphamat is 6 Ply, or one and half times the thickness of a standard mat.  This type of art mat is of archival quality and enhances the look of your art.  Click here to view these types of art mat.

Tip # 4 – Know what color art mat you want.

Sometimes the hardest part of choosing an art mat is choosing the color.  Depending on the type of art mat you choose, you may have as many as 150 color options.  From bright and bold colors, to shades of white, your color options are nearly endless.  Having an idea of what color you want will make the selection process easier.

Tip # 5 – If you are matting large quantities of art, consider our bulk options.

At Documounts, we offer pre-cut art mat kits.  Our pre-cut kits options include same sized art mat in quantities of 25 and kits that include the art mat, backing board and clear bags in quantities of 25 or 50.  Click here to view our pre-cut kits.

Every artist needs frames supplies at some point.  When you need frames supplies, the only place to turn is Documounts.com.  We are the leading frames supplies outlet for artists throughout the United States.  Our wide variety of top quality frames supplies is sure to include everything you need to frame and showcase your artwork.

At Documounts, you will find a wide variety of custom and stock frames supplies to meet your needs.  Our selection of frames supplies includes both custom and premade frames.  At Documounts, you can choose between metal and wood custom cut frames in a variety of finish colors and profiles.  We also offer a wide variety of readymade frames.

Mat boards are one of our most popular categories of frames supplies.  You can choose from archival, standard or economy mat boards.  Additional options include:

• Full sheet, pre-cut or custom cut sizes
• Black, cream or whitecore mat board
• Single, double or triple layer mat boards
• A multitude of color and custom options including V-Groove, weighted windows and more

At Documounts, we understand that the mat and frame are just the beginning of your frames supplies needs. Choose frames supplies for mounting including tape, mounting corners and adhesive spray.  Touch up markers, point drivers, push points, spacers, bumpers and hanging materials are all on our list of frames supplies available each and every day.

When it comes to the complete package of frames supplies, you simply cannot beat Documounts.  No matter what your frames supplies needs are, we are certain to have the top quality items you desire.  With a wide variety of frames supplies, and a wealth of online reference material, Documounts.com is sure to be the go to location for all of your frames supplies needs.

Click here to start shopping for your frames supplies.

When selecting the 11×14 mat board that will be used with your artwork, there are many options to consider.  Documounts offers the ability to select from a variety of pre-cut and custom-made 11×14 mat boards to suit your needs.  Whether you choose from the pre-cut selection, or design a custom 11×14 mat, you can be confident in the quality of the 11×14 mat you purchase.  Documounts never skimps on quality; providing artists with the best 11×14 mat available is always our number one goal.

Included in our selection of pre-cut 11×14 mat boards are our Showcase Mat Kits. These kits include both weighted and centered windows.  Each of the pre-cut 11×14 mat options comes in packages of 50 with 1/8” standard foam board and Clear Bags for protection of your artwork.  These pre-cut 11×14 mat boards are cut from Arctic White Crescent mat board.  This high quality mat board is pH neutral.

Artists, who wish to add impact to the display of their artwork, may opt for an 11×14 mat with a weighted window.  When you select a pre-cut 11×14 mat with a weight window, the window is moved up so that the bottom of the mat is taller or heavier.  The additional inch of height at the bottom of the mat adds drama to the work you are framing.  With Documounts pre-cut weighted 11×14 mat, the borders at the top and sides are 3¼”, while the bottom is 4¼”.  Weighted 11×14 mat boards are a popular option for many artists.

Click here to view our selection of both standard and weighted pre-cut 11×14 mat boards.

Artists, who prefer a double or triple 11×14 mat or a mat with color, can design custom mat boards to meet their specific needs.  When designing your custom 11×14 mat, you will have many options to choose from including:

• Archival, standard or economy quality mat board
• Single, double or triple mats
• A wide range of color options
• V-Grove, Weight Windows and Reverse Bevel options

Designing your custom 11×14 mat has never been easier with our easy to use ordering system. Click here to begin designing your custom 11×14 mat.

We also carry 11×14 pre-cut mats with as 7.5 x 9.5 opening. These are for an 8×10 images. You can find these in single packs of 25 or in Market Ready Mats Kits, which include foam and bags.

When it comes to selecting a mat for your artwork, artists rely on high quality Bainbridge Papermat to meet their needs.  Documounts is proud to partner with Bainbridge to bring these high quality mats to the artistic community.  Bainbridge Papermat is highly sought after and is suitable for a variety of framing needs.

When you choose Bainbridge Papermat for your artwork, you are choosing a product known for its superior quality and performance.  Bainbridge Papermat allows artists complete creative freedom by offering a selection of 120 color options to choose from.  The color consistency provided by Papermat gives artists the reassurance they need when framing large quantities of art work for sale or distribution.  Bainbridge Papermat is also known for its clean bevels and smooth cuts.

Bainbridge Papermat is pH balanced.  This means that the mat has been treated to help prevent damage to your artwork.  However, it is important to note that Bainbridge Papermat is not archival quality.  After several years, you may see acid stains where the Bainbridge Papermat touches the art.  Bainbridge Papermat is ideal for less expensive, non-museum quality framing projects.  The combination of color options and pH neutral materials makes Bainbridge Papermat an extremely popular option for artists.

When ordering Bainbridge Papermat from Documounts, there are many available options for customizing the look of your mat.  In addition to selecting from the large range of colors, artists have many other design options to consider.  You can choose to order Papermat with either an off white or black core.  Other Bainbridge Papermat options include up to three layers of mats, reverse bevels, V-Groove, weighted windows and custom dimensions.  Simply follow the step by step instructions, and create the Bainbridge Papermat that will best showcase your artwork.

For a truly professional look, Bainbridge Papermat cannot be beat.  Click here to begin designing your custom Bainbridge Papermat.

For both aspiring and established artists, finding the best supplies to showcase their work is a top priority.  At Documounts, we are the leading supplier of picture mats, mounting boards, frames and other display supplies for artists.  The selection and quality of our picture mats is unrivaled.  Let Documounts show you how our picture mats can complement your work.

When selecting picture mats for your work, you will be choosing between pre-cut and custom options.  Our pre-cut picture mats come in a variety of sizes and styles to accommodate your needs.  Our first selection of pre-cut mats offers options including 8×10 mats with 4.5×6.5 openings, 11×14 picture mats with 7.5×9.5 openings or 16×20 picture mats with 10.5×13.5 openings.  This selection of pre-cut picture mats is available in single or double mat options.  Choose from white mats with a bright white core or black mats with a bright white core.  If you choose pre-cut double picture mats, the set back is ¼”.

Documounts also offers a selection of pre-cut mat kits.  Choose from our Digital Fit Mat Kits, Market Ready Mat Kits or Showcase Mat Kits.  The Digital Fit Mat Kits are designed to meet the needs of the digital printer.  Sizes include 12×16 picture mats, with either an 8×12 or 8.5×11 opening, and an 18×24 mat with 13×19 opening.  These kits come in quantities of 25 with Arctic White picture mats, 1/8” foam board backing and traditional clear bags.

The Market Ready Mat Kits offer a wide selection of options to choose from.  Available sizes include 8×10, 11×14 and 16×20.  Choose from single or double picture mats in white or black.  The Market Ready Mat Kits are available in quantities of 25 and included the picture mats, 1/8” foam core and Clear as Crystal bags.

The Showcase Mat Kits offer artists a wider mat to better showcase their work.  Available with weighted or center windows, these 11×14 Arctic White picture mats have a 5×7 window.  This kit includes 50 picture mats, 1/8” foam board and Clear Bags.

If you prefer custom picture mats, Documounts offers the ability to choose from a variety of options to create the perfect picture mats for your art work.  Start designing your custom picture mats by choosing from Archival, Standard or Economy mats.  Choose the type of picture mats you desire, the number of layers and the color or colors that best complement your work.  Set your dimensions and choose from the many options available, including reverse bevel, V-Groove and weight windows.  Set your quantity and select “Get Price” to receive your custom price quote.

Whether you choose custom or pre-cut picture mats, Documounts will provide you with top quality picture mats to showcase your art work.  Rely on our experience and expertise to surround your art with the best picture mats available.

Click here to begin selecting your pre-cut picture mats.

Click here too begin designing your custom picture mats.