Affordable Frames -N- Photos - Mat Information

A customer comment on inlaid mats: Our prints were in their original, shallow frames and when we took them out we were surprised to find that the "mats" were actually black/gold/black paint, painted right onto the glass. The paint had deteriorated where the pictures were taped to it and the prints had slipped away from the glass because we'd stored them in the heat for several years. We had had no luck finding a way to replace them until you suggested the double inlays. I am so glad we found you -- with your expertise they look better now than they ever did. So thank you, thank you! Please feel free to use my comments. Good luck to you! - Susan
The following table is offered as a guide for standard picture mat sizes and prices. If you still have doubts or questions go to: Measuring Frames and Mats
	Frame Size	Photo Size:	Price
	5" X 7"	3 1/2" X 5"	$3.00
	7" X 9"	4" x 6"	$4.00
	8" X 10"	5" X 7"	$5.00
	11" X 14"	8" X 10"	$10.00
	16" X 20"	11" X 14"	$15.00

To order standard picture mats: Choose a size. Choose a color. Fill in the quantity. Choose Opening Shape. Click Order Mats.	To order custom picture mats: Fill in frame and opening sizes. Choose a color. Fill in the quantity. Choose Opening Shape. Click Order Mats.
Order forms are on the mat color pages: Regular picture mats & White core picture mats.

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Picture Mat Information

All you wanted to know about picture mats, (and maybe more) but were afraid to ask

Uses and Benefits of a picture mat Mat board is not used for the sole purpose of putting a border around a scene but also to help protect it. A mat board allows for a small gap between the glass of the frame and the picture itself. This is especially important if the picture is to be hung near a window where sunlight will fall upon it. Condensation formed from this combination would make the picture stick to the glass, deteriorating it and allowing mildew to form, also if the glass ever broke the artwork may be destroyed permanently. A mat board has the ability not only to absorb this condensation but also allows the air to circulate between the glass and the picture, helping to preserve and protect it. Other benefits of a mat board is to enhance the beauty of your prints and photos with an elegant border, or adopting your odd size print to a standard frame size. Mats are easily accented with designs to complement the picture, and to make a framed photo look more professional . In choosing a mat board it is also important to choose color and size wisely. You would not want a wide border around the picture that makes the picture look insignificant, any more than you would want a large width frame on a small piece of work.
What are Core Colors? The core color is the small beveled colored edge you see around the edge of the picture or art work when a mat is used. The difference between regular core and white core is shown below.
Regular core picture mat colors	White core picture mat colors
Double or Triple Matting vs. Inlay mats A double or triple mat has 2 or 3 mats laid on top of each other in different colors. An inlaid mat also uses 2 or more colors but is only one layer thick.
Double mat view from the front has two different colors as shown below: This is a double mat, with one on top of the other. It gives you greater depth, and you see both core colors. Inlaid mats have one inside the other and only the inner core color is visible.	Triple mat view from the front has three different colors as shown below: This is a triple mat, and you see all three core colors. This gives you even more depth than a double mat. A double inlaid mat has only inner core color visible.