Answering your questions on Mat Boards in Frames

Image: https://www.frameiteasy.com/learn/matboard-styles-for-custom-framing-projects/

What are Mat Boards? How do they work? What sizes do they come in? To Mat or Not To Mat? In this blog, we will be answering YOUR questions on them, so as to give you a better understanding about Mat Boards. And eventually, whether or not you should get them as part of your framed prints.

Q: So… what is a Mat Board?

A mat board is a border placed within the display area of a frame intended to allow your print in the frame to stand out even more. An example of it is shown in the image below. It is normally made of wood.

Image: https://adelaideprofessionalimaging.com.au/product/frame-mat-board-photo-package/

Q: How big are Mat Boards?

It depends, as the there is no standard measurements for Mat Boards. Do check with your supplier or your product for the exact measurements of a specific frame’s mat board. (This is important for later on!)

Q: If I were to pick the option of Mat Board in my framed prints, will that affect my print?

It will require a slightly different printing process for the image you intend to print. Here is why.

Using a frame with no Mat Board would mean that the visible display area of the frame is basically the whole frame.

Visible Display Area WITHOUT Mat Board

However, with a Mat Board, the visible display area is slightly smaller, as seen in the image below.

Visible Display Area WITH Mat Board

Because of this, we would have to print your image with margins around the paper so that your entire image will be visible through the visible display area.

All in all though, your image quality and details in your image will still be reflected in the print all the same! Only difference would be that your image would be slightly smaller if you are intending to frame it with a Mat Board.

Q: How do we place an order for a Framed Print with a Mat Board on PrintForFun?

You can go to ‘A Sized Framed Prints’ and click the ‘Order Now’ button, and select ‘A Sized Frame Print (Single Photo)’. Then, select on the prints WITH BORDER, according to the size of the framed prints that you would like (For those with Mat Board borders, they are only available in A3 and A2 size).

Q: What if I already have a Frame with a Mat Board. Can you guys print a photo for me according to the measurements of my Frame and Mat Board?

Yes we can, ONLY IF the mat board has uniform measurements all around.

If it does not have uniform measurements, kindly contact us at [email protected] and we would help you out with your order!

Q: So, how do I place my order for a print to ensure it fits with my personal frame that has a mat board?

Click here to head to our ‘Custom Prints’

For the Width, Height, and White Border Inwards, these should be the measurements provided from your home frame.

Essentially:

White Border Inwards = Distance from the mat board to the image inwards

Width = Width of the entire display area of the frame (including mat board)

Height = Height of the entire display area of the frame (including mat board)