•What is the purpose of a mat?
•What are the guidelines for choosing mat colors?
•Is your mat board acid free?
•Can I have multiple openings and special corners cut in a mat?
•What is a v-groove?
•What is “black core”?

What is the purpose of a mat?

Protection For works on paper and photographs, using a mat can prevent permanent damage. The thickness of the mat board prevents the paper from touching the glass or styrene. This protects the image from water vapor, which may condense behind the glass.
Appearance Visually, a mat isolates a piece from its surroundings. The color of a mat can emphasize an aspect of the piece adding to its emotion or impact.

What are the guidelines for choosing mat colors?

Consumers Avoid the temptation to choose colors that match the room the artwork will go in if the colors are not present in the piece. Ideally, the colors best suited for the image will also work well in the chosen room. It is important to remember that mat color should complement the image, not overwhelm it.

Retailers A neutral color, such as cream or off-white, is the most versatile choice. This color family works well with a variety of image and moulding colors. For this reason, antique white mats come standard in our 5x7, 8x10, and 11x14 ready-made frames.

Is your mat board acid free?

The mats themselves are acid free, however, they aren't archival. Our mat board PH level is 5.0. Our mat board is suitable for almost any framing project.

Can I have multiple openings and special corners cut in a mat?

Yes. Mat Designers, a Frame USA company, has a large selection of mat colors and design styles to complete your creative project. For more information please visit matdesigners.com. To inquire about multiple openings or special orders, please email quotes@frameusa.com.

What is a v-groove?

A V-Groove is a thin white line (black line for blackcore) which is carved into the top mat around the entire mat. A V-Groove adds a special "class" and formality to any picture or print you are trying to emphasize.V-Grooves are only available on the top mat of your mat selections.

What is “black core”?

Our regular mat board has a cream colored core. In contrast, black core mat board has a black core and black backing. It is useful when the appearance and simple elegance of a double mat is desired, but not the price. A black core mat and v-groove combination is another popular design solution. For more information please visit matdesigners.com.