Mounting & Matting Prints: A Simple Guide
Key Takeaways
- Good matting uses acid-free, archival materials so the print lasts
- A mat is usually 2-4 inches wide for standard artwork, wider for larger pieces
- Homes near the coast need extra care for humidity and environmental protection
- Mat colour shapes how the artwork reads in the room
A mat is the flat border that sits between your print and the frame. It does two simple jobs: it keeps the artwork from touching the glass, and it gives the picture a bit of breathing room so the eye settles on it. Get the mat right and a modest print can look considered and well-kept; get it wrong and even a lovely piece can feel cramped.
In my 15 years of renovating homes and styling living spaces, I've seen the same thing again and again: the mat is often what separates a framed print that looks finished from one that looks like an afterthought. This is a plain-language walk through how to choose and cut one.
What Is Matting and Why Does It Matter?
Matting, also called mounting or mat board, is the border material placed between your artwork and the frame. It does more than it looks. According to the Library of Congress, proper matting serves three jobs: preservation, presentation, and protection.
Different matting materials: acid-free, cotton, and textured options for various preservation needs
Understanding Professional Matting Standards
Professional framers follow strict guidelines. Watch this educational video that demonstrates the fundamental techniques and quality standards used in conservation framing:
Step-by-Step Guide: DIY Mat Cutting in 5 Steps
While professional framing is recommended for valuable pieces, understanding the basic process helps you make informed decisions and handle simpler projects at home.
Careful precision: using specialised tools for a clean mat cut
Essential Tools You'll Need:
- Mat cutting knife or Logan mat cutter
- Metal straight-edge ruler (at least 24 inches)
- Cutting mat or cardboard surface
- Pencil for light marking
- Cotton gloves for handling
Step 1: Measure Your Artwork
Measure your artwork precisely, then add your desired border width. For a standard 8x10 photo with a 3-inch mat, your outer dimensions will be 14x16 inches.
Step 2: Mark Your Mat Board
Using a pencil, lightly mark both the outer dimensions and the inner window. A useful tip: make the bottom border slightly larger (about ¼ inch) to stop the artwork from looking as though it's sliding down.
Step 3: Cut the Window Opening
Always cut from the back of the mat board, creating a beveled edge that angles toward the artwork. This prevents shadows and gives a clean, finished edge.
Step 4: Test Fit Your Artwork
Before final assembly, ensure your artwork fits properly with about 1/8 inch overlap hidden behind the mat edge.
Step 5: Secure and Assemble
Use archival photo corners or acid-free tape to secure your artwork. Never use regular tape or glue directly on valuable pieces.
Choosing the Right Mat: Materials and Quality Levels
Not all mat boards are the same. Knowing the types and where each one fits helps with both how the piece looks and how long it lasts.
Mat Board Quality Comparison
| Material Type | Cost Range | Lifespan | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Mat Board | $5-15 | 2-5 years | Temporary displays, non-valuable prints |
| Acid-Free Mat Board | $15-35 | 15-25 years | Standard artwork, photographs |
| Museum Cotton Mat | $35-75 | 100+ years | Valuable artwork, archival preservation |
The Classic White Mat
White and off-white mats are a safe choice for good reason. They suit most artwork and most rooms, giving a clean, gallery-style border that doesn't compete with the picture.
Neutral Tones for Versatility
Cream, beige, and light gray mats offer warmth while staying versatile. These work particularly well in coastal homes where bright whites can feel too stark against weathered textures.
Colored Mats for Drama
Navy, deep green, or burgundy mats can add character to vintage prints or botanical illustrations. Use them sparingly, though — they tend to work best as the odd accent rather than across a whole wall.
Stylistic Pairings from My Experience:
- Botanical prints - Linen-textured mats in soft sage or cream
- Abstract art - Clean white mats to let bold colours read clearly
- Vintage landscapes - Warm cream or antique white mats
- Black and white photography - Pure white or light gray mats
Special Considerations for Coastal Homes
Living near the ocean brings its own challenges for keeping art in good shape. After years of styling coastal properties, here are the adaptations worth making:
Humidity Control
Coastal air holds more moisture, which can warp mat board and damage artwork over time. Use silica gel packets behind frames and consider a dehumidifier in display areas.
Enhanced Sealing
Frames in coastal homes benefit from extra sealing with acid-free tape around all edges to keep moisture out. This matters most for valuable pieces.
Material Selection
In high-humidity environments, choose museum-quality cotton mats over wood-pulp alternatives, which are more prone to warping and deterioration.
Abstract Art and Wide Matting: Creating Breathing Space
Modern and abstract artwork often benefits from a generous mat that gives the eye room to take in bold colours and busy compositions.
A wide mat gives a bold abstract composition room to breathe
Mat Width Guidelines by Art Size:
- Small prints (8x10" or smaller): 2-3 inch mats
- Standard prints (11x14" to 16x20"): 3-4 inch mats
- Large artwork (18x24" and above): 4-6 inch mats
- Statement pieces (30x40" and above): 6-8 inch mats or consider floating frames
Preservation Framing: Museum-Quality Techniques
For truly valuable artwork, understanding conservation-level matting techniques is essential for long-term preservation.
Conservation Matting Essentials
- 100% cotton rag mat board (acid-free, lignin-free)
- UV-filtering glazing (glass or acrylic)
- Acid-free mounting corners (never adhesive tape)
- Sealed backing with moisture barrier
- Climate-controlled environment (68-72°F, 45-55% humidity)
Common Matting Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Over the years I've seen the same slip-ups come up time and again. Knowing them in advance saves time, money and frustration.
Top 5 Matting Mistakes:
- Using regular tape or glue: Always use archival mounting methods
- Cutting mats too small: Artwork needs proper breathing space
- Ignoring humidity: Especially important in coastal and humid climates
- Mismatched proportions: Large artwork with thin mats looks unbalanced
- Choosing trendy colours: Neutral tones have lasting appeal
Professional vs. DIY: When to Call the Experts
Knowing the basics is useful for any art lover, but it helps to know when to do it yourself and when to hand it to a framer.
DIY-Friendly Projects:
- Standard-sized prints and photographs
- Non-valuable artwork for practice
- Temporary or seasonal displays
- Mass-produced prints
Professional-Only Projects:
- Original artwork or valuable pieces
- Large or oversized pieces
- Antique or fragile materials
- Complex multi-mat designs
- Conservation-level preservation needs
Frequently Asked Questions About Matting
What mat width should I choose for large artworks?
For artwork larger than 16x20 inches, use mats that are at least 4-6 inches wide. Statement pieces (30x40 inches and above) often benefit from 6-8 inch mats or floating frame presentation. The larger the artwork, the more breathing space it needs to prevent a cramped appearance.
How do I choose mats for humid climates?
In humid environments, always choose museum-quality cotton rag mats over wood-pulp alternatives. Add silica gel packets behind frames, ensure proper sealing with acid-free tape, and check artwork quarterly for signs of moisture damage. Consider using wider mats to increase air circulation around the artwork.
Should the bottom mat border be larger?
Yes, framers typically make the bottom border about ¼ inch larger than the other three sides. This stops the optical illusion that makes artwork appear to slide down within the frame. The technique is called "weighting" the mat.
Can I use colored mats with any artwork?
Coloured mats can look striking, but use them sparingly. They suit vintage prints, botanical illustrations, or the odd accent piece in a larger collection. For valuable artwork or anything you want to last, neutral tones (white, cream, light gray) are safer choices that won't date.
What's the difference between beveled and straight-cut mats?
Beveled mats have edges cut at a 45-degree angle, creating a sloped interior edge that prevents shadows and gives a clean finish. Straight-cut mats have vertical edges and are generally used for more casual or contemporary presentations. Beveled cuts are the usual standard.
How often should I replace matting?
Museum-quality cotton mats can last 100+ years when properly cared for. Acid-free mats typically last 15-25 years, while regular mat board should be replaced every 2-5 years. Signs of deterioration include yellowing, brown spots, or warping.
Should I double-mat my artwork?
Double matting (using two mats with slightly different window sizes) adds depth to the presentation. It works well with valuable artwork, larger pieces, or when you want a subtle colour accent. The top mat usually has a slightly larger window, revealing about ¼ inch of the bottom mat.
Top 5 Takeaways for Good Matting
- Invest in quality materials: Museum cotton mats for valuable pieces, acid-free at minimum for everything else
- Size matters: Larger artwork needs proportionally wider mats for proper balance
- Climate considerations: Coastal and humid homes need special materials and sealing
- Colour wisdom: Neutral tones last; use coloured mats as the odd accent
- Know your limits: DIY for practice and standard pieces, a framer for valuable artwork
Conclusion: Looking After Your Art Collection
Matting is about more than making a print look tidy — it's about keeping the artwork in good condition and presenting it well. Whether you're protecting a family heirloom, framing a recent buy, or just tidying up the art you already own, the principles here will see you through.
Good matting, like good design, often goes unnoticed because it simply feels right. Done well, the mat quietly does its job: it lets the artwork sit comfortably and gives it the protection it needs for years.
Want prints worth framing well? Here are a few collections where these matting principles really show:
- Vintage Japanese prints - good for practising traditional matting
- Contemporary art - ideal for experimenting with a wide mat
- Audubon bird prints - detailed pieces worthy of conservation framing
Start with one piece, apply these principles, and you'll see the difference a well-chosen mat makes. Every Stone & Gray print is made to order in Cape Town, with free shipping nationwide.
Nikki Sandeman
Founder, Art Lover & Décor Specialist
15+ years renovating homes and styling living spaces with wall art and custom prints, helping readers bring art and décor into modern interiors.
