Picture Matting

-- Custom Cut Photo-Picture Matting info --

-- How to Figure Your Matting Size--

The outside dimensions of your mat board should be the same as the stated frame size.

Example: If you have an 11" x 14" frame you need an 11" x 14" mat.

Note: Frames are made approx. 1/8" bigger than "stated size" to automatically allow room for fit-up with print, photo, artwork, matting etc. An 11" x 14" frame will have a recessed opening on the back that will measure approx. 11.12" x 14.12".

The opening dimensions of your mat board should be about 1/4" smaller than your print, photo or art work so you have room to mount it without the edges showing. You will need to allow more for large pictures.

Example: An 8" x 10" photo, print, poster etc. would need an opening approx. 7.75" x 9.75".

-- How to Order Double & Triple Mats --

When ordering double matting your top mat board should have the same outside dimensions as the bottom mat board and normally have an opening approx. 1/2 to 1 inch larger than the bottom mat board. For triple matting, all three mats should have the same outside dimensions and each opening from bottom to top should have progressively larger openings normally 1/2 to 1 inch per layer.

Hint: When you assemble your double or triple mats use double sided tape between layers to stop any movement when framing.

-- How to Order Matting with Multiple Openings --

 If you want to order matting with more than one opening, e-mail us at
 Give us the outside dimensions of the matting and the size and location of the openings. We will then e-mail you a drawing with all dimensions for your approval. If you approve of the drawing you may then order your mat.

You will need to enter "0" x "0" for (opening sizes) and enter the total number of openings in the box provided. When you click on "calculate" the cost for the mat with extra openings entered in box will be displayed.

When you check-out make a note in the comments area that you want your matting cut as to your approved drawing.

-- How to Order Bottom Weighted Matting --

If you want your mat board opening cut other than in the center. Make a note in the comments area when you check-out how much and in what direction you want the opening to be. 

Example #1: I want my mat opening 1/2" higher in the portrait or landscape format. This would make a centered mat boarder of 2" (top & bottom) into a bottom weighted boarder of 1.5" top and 2.5" bottom. This makes the bottom 1" wider than the top.

Example #2: I want my mat opening 1/4" higher in the portrait or landscape format. This would make a centered mat boarder of 2" (top & bottom) into a bottom weighted boarder of 1.75" top and 2.25" bottom. This makes the bottom 1/2" wider than the top.

-- Sample Piece of Matting --

You will receive a sample piece of matting in the color of your choice. (Not a corner sample) Samples will be of varying sizes approx. 3" x 8".

-- Matting Only --

With this choice you will receive custom cut matting only, in the color, size and quanity of your choice.

This mat board is "Crescent Decorative Matboard". It is made of wood pulp that is buffered with calcium carbonate to slow the damage caused by acid and lignin.

-- Matting with Foamcore Backboard--

With this choice you will receive your custom cut matting with high quality 3/16" archival foamcore backboard, cut the same size as the outside size of your matting.

If you prefer a thinner, 1/8" foamboard, let us know in the comments area when you check-out. The cost is the same as 3/16".

-- Matting with Foamboard & Crystal Clear Acrylic --

With this choice you will receive your custom cut matting with high quality 3/16" archival foamcore backboard & crystal clear acrylic, all cut the same size as the outside size of your matting.

Our acrylic is .100 thick (2.5 mil, same as Premium Glass) it will come with a protective film that you can easily peal off.

Note: Our acrylic blocks 92% of Harmful UV Rays. This is very close to the protection you get from much more expensive conservation glass.

-- Shipping --

We normally ship within a few days of receiving an order. You will receive a tracking no. from FedEx upon shipment.

Packaging: Matting is wrapped in packing paper and then packed between four layers of cardboard for good protection. Large orders will be shipped in a box. We take great care packaging to prevent any damage. We insure all shipments, if your matting is damaged it will be replaced at no charge.

Cost: When you check-out, fill in your address and "shipping address" you will then see the shipping charges at the bottom of the page.

-- Still Having Trouble? --

If you are having trouble with the mat size or opening size you need to order, e-mail us the outside dimensions (frame size) and the size of print, photo etc. that you want to mat, and we will give you the sizes you need to order.

If you have a special matting request e-mail us at