Custom mats help keep entrances clean by capturing dirt and debris so it doesn’t get tracked into the office. They are especially helpful in large or unusually shaped office buildings, hospitals and education facilities. They are also a popular option in hospitality and retail establishments for branding purposes.

Custom mats are a great way to add a finishing touch to your artwork. They are available in a wide variety of colors, shapes and sizes to suit any frame or artwork. They can also be textured or molded to fit your space or a specific project.

The most common type of custom mat is the double mat. These are two matboards layered together with one showing through the window (the reveal). The mats can be the same color for a monochromatic look or different colors that complement each other and the art. Using a fillet (an indented or embossed decorative line) is another way to add visual interest to your mats.

Beyond Ordinary: The Versatility and Charm of Custom Mats

The quality of matboard is important to consider as well. Most commonly, mats are made from a wood pulp and can contain acids that degrade and damage the artwork over time. However, modern matboard is typically acid and lignin free and buffered to stay pH neutral, making it safer for longer term use than in the past. There are three primary grades of matboard used in picture framing today – decorative, conservation and museum. Generally, the higher the grade of matboard, the more protection it offers the artwork.