Do I need a matboard for framing, or can I go without one?

Matboards are a key part of professional-quality framing. While they’re not strictly required, using a matboard for framing helps visually enhance your piece, creates space between the glass and the artwork, and can significantly extend the life of what you’re displaying. For photography, certificates, or fine art, matboards also prevent damage from humidity, pressure, or direct contact with the glazing.

At Matboard.com, we offer both pre-cut and custom-cut matboards, so you can find the perfect fit for your frame and artwork, whether you're creating a gallery wall or preserving a family heirloom.

What makes Matboard.com’s matboards acid-free?

We use materials that are carefully sourced from industry-leader, Crescent, ensuring each individual matboard meets our stringent quality standards. Acidic materials can yellow or degrade your artwork over time. Our acid-free matboards are pH-neutral and lignin-free, meaning they’re safe for long-term use with delicate media like photography, drawings, watercolors, and historical documents.

What color matboards do you offer?

We offer a wide range of matboard colors to bring your vision to life! Choosing the right matboard color depends on your goals:

• Want a timeless, gallery-style look? Try Smooth White, Antique White, or Mid Gray.

• Want to highlight a specific tone in the art? Match a color within the piece.

• Want drama or contrast? Go with Matboard.com’s Smooth Black or Hunter Green
  

Our wide selection of mat colors lets you create either subtle harmony or bold contrast. You can even layer two different colors with a double matboard for added depth and style.

Need help deciding? Our product images and color filter options make it easy to explore possibilities before you commit.

What’s the difference between a matboard and a mounting board? Do you have both?

While they’re often used together, matboards and foam boards serve different purposes in the framing process:

• Matboards sit on top of the artwork, adding visual space and helping protect it from direct contact with the glass.

• Mounting boards (like foam board or 4-ply backing) are placed behind the artwork to provide structure and support within the frame, great for pinning iems like awards and medals.

Pro Tip: If you already have a frame you want to use, be sure it can accommodate the depth you will need for the foam board. If not, a standard 4 ply mounting board may be enough support.

At Matboard.com, we offer both products, so you can order everything you need for a complete, ready-to-hang setup. Look for foam boards in our Backing Board Collection when completing your frame.

Can I order custom matboards in different sizes or shapes?

Yes! Matboard.com is your trusted partner for all things custom matboard cutting. Whether you’re framing an unusual-size artwork, building a photo collage with multiple openings, or designing something undeniably original, we work with you to:

• Set your exact outer and inner dimensions

• Choose from a wide range of colors

• Request specialty shapes or layouts

Custom orders are carefully cut to precision and shipped quickly, so you get exactly what you need without the hassle of trimming at home.

What is a bevel cut matboard, and how does it affect the look?

A bevel cut refers to the angled edge around the matboard’s inner opening. Rather than a straight 90° edge, a bevel is typically cut at a 45° angle, exposing the mat’s core color (usually white or black). This detail adds dimension and gives your framed piece a clean, finished, and professional look.

At Matboard.com, all of our bevel cut matboards are machine-cut for precision and consistency. Whether you choose a single or double mat, the bevel adds a subtle highlight that frames your art beautifully.

Can I use more than one matboard in a frame?

Yes! This is called double matting, and it’s a great way to add color layering, dimension, and a custom feel to your framed piece. The top mat is typically larger (our industry standard is a .25” reveal), revealing just a thin strip of the bottom mat underneath. 

Matboard.com offers custom-cut double matboards where you can mix and match colors or order layered combinations cut to your exact specs. It’s an easy way to elevate the look of everything from diplomas to prints to wedding photos.

What are white core and black core matboards? 

The “core” of a matboard is the center layer that's visible through the bevel cut.

• A white core matboard has a bright, clean edge that works with nearly any artwork.

• A black core matboard creates a striking visual frame within the frame, especially effective with dark prints or modern photography.
  

Matboard.com carries both white and black core matboards – just check the product details to see the core color before purchasing.

What size matboards do you offer? 

At Matboard.com, we offer a wide range of pre-cut matboard sizes to fit the most popular frame dimensions, like 5x7, 8x10, 11x14, and 16x20. Some of our most-loved sizes for artwork are: 

• 11 x 14 Double Matboard

• 11 x 14 Single Conservation Matboard

• 30 x 40 Double Matboard

• 24 x 36 Single Matboard

We also specialize in custom matboard sizing, so if you need something unique, you can enter your exact dimensions for a perfect fit.

Looking for a size you don’t see listed? No problem — you can simply order the next size up and add a note at checkout requesting your specific outer dimensions. For example, if you need a 13 x 17 matboard, just select 14 x 18 and let us know you'd like it trimmed to 13 x 17.

We also specialize in fully custom matboard sizing, so you’re never limited to what’s in stock — just enter your exact dimensions and we’ll cut to fit.

Whether you're framing standard prints or unusually sized artwork, we cut everything in-house for precision and consistency. You can even specify the exact inner opening size and bevel cut placement to create the perfect matboard for your project.

Do you sell picture frames?

Yes! While matboards are our specialty, Matboard.com also carries a curated selection of black matte picture frames designed to pair seamlessly with our matboards. You’ll find frames in popular sizes, styles, and finishes perfect for showcasing your artwork, photographs, or certificates.

Each frame is compatible with both single and double matboard setups, and includes a glass or plexiglass cover and mounting hardware.

Do you sell show kits for art and photography?

Yes! Matboard.com offers ready-to-use Conservation Show Kits and Art Pro’s Presentation Kits, perfect for artists and photographers preparing for galleries, fairs, or client presentations. Each kit includes:

• A pre-cut acid-free matboard

• A backing board

• A protective clear bag
  
  

These kits are designed to help you professionally present your work while keeping it safe and easy to transport. Available in multiple sizes and colors, they’re an all-in-one solution for shows, portfolios, or retail displays.