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The Real Reasons Why People Use Picture Frame Mats

Picture frame mats are a wonderful way to make your framed photos look amazing. If youve never used a mat and youre looking for a simple way to make your photos look even better, then you should definitely consider using mats. Picture frame mats add depth to your photo and can help accent specific colors to really showcase your artwork beautifully.

Mats are super versatile and make a noticeable difference in your finished framing project.

What will a mat do for your picture? Here are three simple ways matting can make a difference with your photo:

• Mats can help in framing pictures or artwork in odd sizes
• Mats offer unique and different ways to show off your creativity
• Mats can help your photograph stand out

If you want to avoid the expense of a custom frame but have a picture or piece of artwork in a non-standard size, picture frame mats can solve your problem. A picture frame mat goes inside your frame, between the photo and the glass, and surrounds the photo like an inner frame giving it a professional finished look. The benefit of mats is that you can have them fit any size of artwork and fit any picture frame size. Picture frame mats can take any non-standard size picture and make it fit into a ready made standard sized frame, saving you the expense of a custom frame. Mats can be cut to fit any size frame or picture no matter if it’s a ready made frame or a custom frame, they’re a perfect way to enhance your photos or artwork.

Mats are also popular for displaying more photos in a smaller space like collage frames or other multiple opening frames like double or triple picture frames.

Personalization is another great benefit of picture frame mats. Picture frame mats can be used to personalize your frame, from special messages to whimsical notes, signatures or drawings. Mats can be used for personalizing frames that display important events like weddings, anniversary parties, graduations or even special vacations.

Picture frame mats also allow you to express your creativity. Mats can be cut many different ways and are available in a wide variety of colors so you can create a truly stunning photo display. A mat will help set off frames in just about any color from white picture frames to black, blue or even red picture frames.

Besides adding to the eye appeal and personalization of your picture frame, mats can also help protect your artwork. Mats will help prevent your photos from touching the picture frame glass. This is very important because moisture exposure over time can cause your photo to stick to the glass and damage your photo. If you really want to save your picture and protect it for a long time, consider using conservation techniques by using archival mats and paper for framing. These products do not contain chemicals that would degrade your photos over time.

Picture frame mats have so many benefits the only real downside is that it costs a little extra time and money to buy the mat. But even that is small since you can use precut mats for standard picture frame sizes that are easy to find and affordable. A non-standard mat for a unique size, however, will require a little additional cost because it has to be hand cut but is almost always well worth it.

One thing to be aware of when using multiple picture mats is to avoid non-glare glass (also known as anti-reflective (AR) glass). Using 2 or more mats with non-glare glass may make your picture appear fuzzy. The thickness of the multiple mats creates a larger distance between the photo and the non-glare glass making the photo look diffused.

So, remember these two helpful hints – use pre-cut mats to save money and never use non-glare glass when using more than one mat.

Once you try your first mat, you’ll be amazed at how much better your favorite photo looks displayed in a mat. No wonder professional photographers and picture enthusiasts have made picture frame mats so popular. Hopefully this article has helped you see the benefit of mats and will help to encourage you to try one with your next picture frame.