Mat Boards for Picture Frames - Australian Made

What are matboards?

Matboards are a piece of dense cardboard with a window cut-out which surrounds an artwork like a border inside a photo frame or a picture frame. Typically, white or off-white, a mat board can come in different colours, surface textures or layers, and feature a white core with a bevel cut for added elegance. 

What is the difference between a Window Mat and a Photo Mat?

A mat board is often be referred to by a variety of different terms, which all mean the same thing. For example, in picture framing, a matboard could also be called a Window Mat, a Frame Mat, a Mat Board, a Matt Board, a Picture Mat or a Border Mat. 

However, in the UK and Europe, picture framers refer to a mat board as a Mount Board and use terminology such as Window Mount, Photo Mount, Frame Mount and even Passepartout, which all mean the same thing. In photography, matboards are sometimes referred to as a Photo Mat or a Photo Mount. 

In countries like the US and Australia, a Mount Board refers to the substrate backing behind at the matted artwork. For example, an acid-free insert or foam board. 

• If you're interested in learning more, read our helpful guides on "What is a Matboard?" & "A Brief History of Mat Board".

What is a double matboard?

A matboard and can also be multi-layered, such as a double-layered matboard commonly referred to as a Double Mat.

A double matboard is two pieces of mat board used together where both pieces are cut in a way that their window openings are aligned parallel to expose an inside edge of the lower matboard layer. The reveal of the inside edge of the bottom matboard layer is usually around +/-0.5cm (5mm).

Double layered mat boards can often be referred to as a Double Mount, a Step Mat or an Accent Mat, which are all the same concepts. 

The concept of a double matboard is a premium and professional method of matting frequently used in bespoke custom framing. The combination of the layering and colour reveal can create an elegant, tiered effect. This can look like a step down, creating an element of depth. 

Why are matboards important for picture frames?

Matboards are an essential element in framing a photo or artwork. They provide several important purposes, such as providing a buffer between the glass and the artwork, protecting it from dust and moisture.

Matboards can also add balance and proportion to an image by creating a visual break between the artwork and the frame, which can enhance its overall aesthetic appeal.

Another function of a frame mat is to provide support for the artwork. A matboard can act as a barrier to help prevent buckling or creasing that may occur over time due to changes in temperature or humidity. It can help keep the photo or artwork flat and smooth inside the frame.

Cardboard matting also comes in different colours which can allow you to customise your frames according to your preference. You can choose colours that complement your artwork's hues or opt for neutral shades like white or black that will make your picture stand out on its own.

When would I need a matboard?

When you have photos or pictures professionally framed, a rectangle window matboard is usually included in the framing cost. However, you may need to purchase a matboard separately from your frame if you decide to change the image in the frame, if you've purchased a picture frame separately, or if an existing matboard in a frame your own is somehow damaged.

In any of these situations, when you buy a brand-new frame mat board from Profile Australia, you know that it will provide your framed image with the clean look you want. Simply adding a window matboard can really do wonders for your picture frame and the image itself, instantly creating a more professional look for any self-framed work. This is a great option when framing your own photos and artworks or framing the kids’ drawings and paintings.

Many professional photographers and artists also choose to buy our professional matboards for their work., because our matboards are all made from premium quality, acid-free pulp which is buffered with calcium carbonite for stability and longevity.

Tips on framing your images with matboards

In some cases, simply using a cardboard matboard instead of a frame alone, can also create a sleek, minimalist look. Here are some tips on how to frame a photo or image with a matboard:

• Using a self-adhesive acid-free hinging tape to affix the photo or artwork to the window mat is an easy and simple solution. Just make sure you never tape anything to the front of the image, as this may damage it.
• For a more professional job, there are plenty of different adhesives available specifically designed without harmful chemicals for photos and artwork. This will ensure the matboard and the image is undamaged.
• You only need to add tabs of acid-free tape along the top of the image, not the sides or bottom.
• If you want to do a top-notch job, use gloves when handling the image and the matboard to avoid leaving unsightly marks or fingerprints.
• We also we also have another helpful how-to article on "How to Attach a Photo to a Matboard"

Can Profile make custom cut-to-size matboards?

Are you looking for professional custom cut matboards to display your photos? We can help. At Profile Australia, we can customise your selected frame mat board and make cut-to-size photo mats and openings to your specifications.

Can Profile make cut-to-size oval window mats?

Oval mat boards can create a visually appealing display that draws the viewer's eye into the subject. Ovals and circles avoid the distinct straight edges of a traditional rectangle window mat, generating a softer effect. This makes oval window mounts perfect for portraits and photos.

Profile can provide a variety of different custom cut matboard options for white oval mats, black oval mats and even double layered oval mats.

Choosing the best pre-cut mat boards in Australia?

Proudly Australian-owned and operated, Profile Australia has been in business since 1977. So, if you’re looking for the perfect way to display your cherished memories, you know you’ve come to the right place.

Our state-of-the-art CMC (Computerised Mat Cutting) machinery has been imported from Switzerland and ensures precision cuts, perfectly accurate corners and uncompromised quality.

Our matboards are made using only the highest quality board and papers, so they are acid-free and photo safe. When you buy mat boards online from Profile Australia, you know that you’ll be receiving professional, high-grade frame mats and framing products that won’t be compromised in quality.

Shop for Mat Boards, Photo Frames and Framing Accessories Online

At Profile Australia, we are best known for our high-quality timber photo frames, photo albums and other photo and framing products. We also offer a range of popular custom, cut-to-size foam boards.

For artists and photographers, we also offer our convenient, ready-to-use bulk photo mat board kits, which are ideal for packaging and displaying your pictures for retail sale. 

If you would like to request custom matboards or would like further information on any of our products, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We would be happy to help.

Please note: IKEA® is a registered trademark of Inter IKEA Systems B.V. and our custom, cut-to-size matboards are not affiliated or associated with Inter IKEA Systems B.V.