Photo Mat Boards & Mat Cutters

Select a mat board that fits the frame’s outer dimensions and cut an opening slightly smaller than the artwork to hold it in place; for standard frames match common sizes (e.g., 8x10, 11x14) and account for mat borders of 1.5–3 inches depending on visual preference

Mat boards come in paper-faced boards, cotton rag, and museum- or conservation-grade options; choose acid-free, lignin-free, and pH-neutral or 100% cotton rag boards for archival protection, typically in thicknesses from about 1/16" to 1/8"

Pre-cut mats are affordable and convenient for standard frame sizes; custom-cut mats provide exact openings and multi-window layouts for irregular or multiple images, and a handheld or tabletop mat cutter is useful if you frequently mat photos or want tailored sizes at home

Look for cutter types (handheld rotary vs. tabletop guillotine vs. electronic), clean precise blades, adjustable guides or templates, depth capacity to handle desired board thickness, and ease of blade replacement and alignment for repeatable straight cuts

Basic pre-cut mats and simple paper-faced boards are commonly inexpensive or under $50 for single pieces, conservation-grade boards cost more, and mat cutters range from inexpensive handheld models to several hundred dollars for heavy-duty tabletop or electronic cutters depending on features and build

Store boards flat in a dry, clean environment away from direct sunlight and moisture, handle by edges or wear clean cotton gloves to avoid oils, and choose acid-free backing and UV-protective glazing when framing for maximum preservation

Yes: measure frame and photo, cut or select a mat with the correct opening, use archival tape to hinge the photo to the backing, center the artwork within the mat, and assemble with an acid-free backing and proper glazing to secure and protect the piece