Mat Board(1000+)

A mat board (or picture mat) is the border that surrounds your photo or artwork inside a frame. It’s both decorative and functional.

• Presentation: Adds visual breathing room so the image stands out.
• Protection: Helps keep the print from touching the glass, which can reduce sticking and surface wear.
• Fit: Lets smaller pieces fit standard frame sizes without cropping.
• Style: Available in many colors, textures, single/double configurations, and white-core bevel looks.
• Support: When paired with a backing board or foam core, it adds rigidity for flatter displays.
• Preservation: Acid-free options are often preferred for long-term display to help minimize discoloration.

You can choose pre-cut picture mats for popular sizes or uncut boards if you’d like to customize your window opening.

There are a few cost-conscious options that can work depending on your project. Each comes with trade-offs compared with a traditional, bevel-cut mat board.

• Cardstock or poster board: Cut a window to create a simple border. It’s affordable, though usually less rigid and not always acid-free.
• Foam board or backing board: Offers good stiffness and can be cut to size; it won’t mimic a bevel edge but can provide a clean, flat surround.
• Printed (digital) mat: Add a printed border directly to your image file before printing to simulate a mat look.
• Layered papers: Craft papers or decorative tapes can create a creative border for casual displays.

For gifts, heirlooms, or long-term display, an acid-free mat board is generally a safer choice.

You’ve got a few options, depending on the look and timeline you’re after:

• Pre-cut picture mats: Choose popular pairings (e.g., 8x10 frame with 5x7 opening) for a ready-to-use fit.
• DIY custom cut: Use an uncut mat board, a metal ruler, and a sharp craft knife or a dedicated mat cutter. Cutting on a self-healing mat and taking light passes can help. Many openings are sized about 1/4 inch smaller than the artwork to hold it in place.
• Professional services: Local framing shops commonly offer custom mat cutting; turnaround and capabilities vary.

For clean bevels, a mat cutter can be helpful. Measuring carefully and using fresh blades can improve results.

Walmart carries a wide range of matting supplies online, so you can build the look you want:

• Pre-cut picture mats: White-core, bevel-cut options sized to fit common frames (e.g., 5x7, 8x10, 11x14, 16x20) with openings for smaller photos.
• Uncut art mat boards: No opening, ready for custom windows in sizes from small squares to larger formats and even full sheets.
• Backing boards and foam core: Add rigidity behind the mat and artwork for a flatter, more stable presentation.
• Colors and finishes: From classic white/black to textured, suede-like, and metallic tones, plus single or double mats for layered depth.

Selection and availability can vary, so check size and “fits frame” details on each product page.

Start with the frame size you have, then work inward to the artwork:

1. Choose the frame size: The mat’s outer dimensions typically match the frame (e.g., 11x14).
2. Measure your artwork: Note width and height to plan the window.
3. Set the window opening: Many openings are about 1/4 inch smaller than the art, so it overlaps the edges and stays put.
4. Pick the border width: 2–3 inches is common for medium frames; adjust to taste.
5. Decide single vs. double mat: A second accent layer can add depth.
6. Consider thickness and color: Standard 4‑ply is popular; white-core bevels offer a crisp highlight.

Common pairings include 8x10 frames for 5x7 photos and 11x14 frames for 8x10 photos. Always confirm product fit notes before purchasing.