Mini Cart

  • No products in the cart.

What is a matted print?

There are many ways to display an image - regular prints , matted prints, framed, canvas, acrylic, metal - whatever your space and style, there's an option that will fit perfectly!

In this series of posts, I'm going to explore and explain a few of the different types of print options to help you make the best decision for your walls.

In THIS POST I talked about standard art prints. So now we'll move on to the next option - matted prints.

an abstract beach and water photograph with a white mat
Click on the photo to view this image in my shop
@catchastarfineart Matted photo prints are a great visual presentation, and protects your prints too!#catchastarfineart #photographyprints #prints #supportartists #howidoit #beachphotos #epson #CapCut ♬ original sound - Catch A Star Fine Art
Matted prints are created by attaching an artboard border that surrounds the print. The artboard is cut to size, and an opening is cut to display the art. The opening is generally beveled, so the mat won't cast a shadow on the art.

Matting adds size and depth to the artwork, and keeps the frame glass or plexi from touching the print. Condensation can build up inside a frame, and the mat provides a buffer that prevents water damage from occurring.

Matting can really enhance the visual presentation of the piece! It adds size and depth to the print. Matted prints are usually finished with a solid backing board, which provides another layer of support and protection and prevents wrinkles and tears.


abstract shoreline photograph with a white mat displayed in an easel
Click on the photo to view this image in my shop

Matted prints are one of the options I offer for desk size art prints.
You can choose 5x7 prints matted to 8x10, or 8x10 prints matted to 11x14. If you need a larger size print matted, you'll need to have the mat made for you at an art store, or craft store like Michael's or Hobby Lobby.

Matted prints are a popular display option, and I want to show you my process for creating them!


To create a matted print -

  • I first print the chosen image and allow it to dry completely.
  • I then attach the print to the back of the artboard mat with archival artist tape.
  • Next, I apply the backing board using archival tape.
  • Stamp and sign the back, and package it up to ship to you!

I offer this option for 5x7 and 8x10 prints, and it's my preferred way to deliver those smaller images. A 5x7 print is matted to 8x10, which is a standard frame size that you can easily find.  8x10 prints are matted to 11x14, which again is a frame size you'll be able to buy at most retailers.  Just pop your matted print into the frame and you're ready to dress up your space! 

Here's a quick TikTok video of my process.

Categories: Product details