Do you need mat board?  Mat board is an important part of presenting your artwork.  When you frame works of art on paper, you will need to first place the artwork behind a mat board.  Mat boards vary in color, size and quality.  This article explains the various types of matting that you can use to mat your art with mat board.

Mat Board Quality

Documounts carries a range of archival mat board, mat board that is pH neutral, and economy mat board.  Mat boards such as Crescent Ragmat or Bainbridge Alpharag are museum-quality.  If conservation and longevity are important to you, you should mat your work with this kind of mat board.  Mat boards such as Crescent Papermat and Bainbridge Papermat are pH neutral.  If you are matting open edition reproductions, then you can use this type of mat board.  Mat boards such as Canterbury Papermat are the economical solution for matting inexpensive reproductions and posters.

Mat Board Colors

Although white, off-white and black are the most common colors for mat board, mat boards are actually available in nearly every color of the rainbow.  This allows you a lot of options for presenting your artwork.  You can also choose from a single mat board, double mat board, or even triple mat board, all in the same color or in different colors.

Mat Board Thickness

4 ply is the standard thickness for mat board. Mat board that is 4 ply is 1/16” thick.  You can also buy 6 ply mat board.  Mat board that is 6 ply is 1.5 times thicker than the standard 4 ply mat board.  Mat board that is 8 ply is 1/8” – twice as thick as the standard mat board.  Mat boards that are thicker create a more sophisticated display.

When you buy 4 or more of the same mat board, mat prices go down due to our bulk discounts.  This is a great incentive to stock up on mat board.  Mat prices get even lower the more that you buy!

Documounts sells mount board, mat board, frame mouldings, and all of the supplies that you will need to mat, mount and frame your artwork!

When your artwork or photography is ready for framing, there are many options to consider.  From the color and style of frame matting, to the materials and design of the frame itself, the selections you choose can enhance your artwork in numerous ways.

When it comes to frame matting, Documounts offers many customization options.

Option 1 – Frame Matting Quality

Choose from our three levels of frame matting quality:  Economy, Standard and Archival.  These various levels of frame matting quality allow you to get a quality mat at any price point.

Option 2 – Frame Matting Layers and Setbacks

Choose single, double or triple frame matting to complement your artwork.  The standard setback for frame matting is ¼”.  However, you can select from 14 additional setback options for a completely custom look.  When choosing multiple layers, you will select the setback, quality of frame matting and color for each layer.

Option 3 – Reverse Bevel

If you opt for a reverse bevel, the 45 degree angle is reversed so that no bevel shows against your artwork.  Artist who work with chalk pastels commonly use this frame matting option.  The reverse bevel is also preferred for a clean, sharp look. The cost of the reverse bevel option is $1.50 per mat.

Option 4 – Frame Matting Color

Options abound when it comes to color selection.  Depending on the type of frame matting you choose, there could be as many as 150 color choices or more.  When opting for multiple layers of frame matting, the color combinations you choose can add drama to any piece.

Option 5 – Blank Frame Matting

Would you prefer to order your frame matting without an opening?  No problem, we can do that.  You will receive a 20% discount for any blank frame matting order.

Option 6 – Frame Matting Sizes

When ordering your frame matting, you will be able to select both the inside and outside dimensions of your frame matting.

Option 7 – Frame Matting with V-Groove

For a unique, decorative look, opt for a V-Groove accent.  This decorative channel line that is cut into the face of the mat.  This is a stunning frame matting option.  If you would like your frame matting to include a V-Groove you must choose the amount of space the V-Groove will be out from the window

Option 8 – Weighted Window Frame Matting

Custom frame matting typically comes with a centered window opening, so that distance from the window to the edge of the frame is consistent from top to bottom and side to side.  We also offer the option of weighted window frame matting.   A weighted window will typically have an additional ½” to 1” of space from the bottom of the window to the edge of the frame matting.  This additional space helps to balance the look of the artwork and can also add visual interest to smaller pieces of artwork.

Option 9 – Discounted Frame Matting

At Documounts, we value your business.  The more frame matting that you order, the more you save.  Discounts begin with the order of the just 4 mat boards.   Click here for a full list of our frame matting discounts.

Your complete satisfaction is our goal, so customize to your heart’s content.  No matter the frame matting options you choose, we are certain you will receive the best quality mat board and service from Documounts.  Click here to begin the process of customizing your frame matting order.

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.