Mat Basics – Learn Matting and Framing 101 - Quality Picture Frames and Mats, Framing Tape & Mounting Corners
print this page 
Placing a window mat on top of your artwork serves two purposes. Primarily, it creates a protective buffer between the art and the glazing. It also provides a visual separation between the art and the edge of the frame.
A matted and framed piece of art is a multi-layered unit. Backing - or mountboard - functions as the unseen support for the artwork. The art is attached to the mountboard using either framing tape or mounting corners. A window mat sits on top of the art and is hinged to the mountboard to create a folded mat sleeve for the artwork. Glazing, either glass or plexiglass, is placed on top of the mat before fitting the whole package into a frame.
Designing and ordering your window mat are simple procedures but there are a few basic concepts to understand. When you place your mat order:
- Please indicate the width first, followed by the height. That means that if you say your outside dimensions are 11 x 14, the mat is 11” wide by 14” tall. The same applies for the window you’d like us to cut for you. The width comes first, then the height.
- In most cases, the window we cut should overlap the edges of your art . If you want a window cut for an 8 x 10” image, the window should therefore be cut about ¼” smaller on each side. So you would specify a window dimension of 7 1/2” x 9 1/2”. Please keep in mind that we cut the window to exactly the size you request, so make sure to order based on what you want the opening to be.
- Please design your mat and measure your art carefully - we cut mats just as you order them! We can also create multi-window openings, ovals, circles, arches, steps, octagons and radius cuts for your mat window. We do ask that you either fax or email us a diagram of your specialty cut - with all dimensions noted - before submitting your order. These special cuts cannot currently be done on the website. Be sure to contact a customer service rep if you would like to order a special cut.
