Matboards might seem like a small detail, but they make a big impact on how your artwork looks and lasts. If you are searching for matboards in Australia, understanding their purpose and how to choose the right one will help you protect and display your artwork beautifully.

What Is a Matboard?

A matboard is the layer of material that sits between your artwork and the frame. It creates a visual border, helping to draw the eye to your piece while keeping the artwork from touching the glass. At Just Picture Framing Online, we supply custom matboards Australia wide, available in a range of colours, sizes and styles to suit your artwork and interior décor.

Why Matboards Matter

Protection from Damage

Matboards provide a small but crucial space between your artwork and the glazing. This helps prevent condensation or direct contact with the glass, which can cause sticking, mould or colour transfer over time. Acid-free matboards also help protect against yellowing and deterioration, so your artwork stays vibrant for years.

Enhancing Presentation

Matboards are practical and also a key design element. The right colour and proportion can make your piece feel balanced, polished and professional. A well chosen matboard guides the viewer’s focus to the artwork rather than the frame.

Improving Depth and Dimension

Adding a matboard creates depth, giving your artwork or photograph a more gallery style finish. Multi-window or double matboard designs can add layers of contrast and sophistication.

How to Choose the Right Matboard

Match or Complement the Artwork

Start by considering the colours and tones within your piece. A matboard that picks up subtle shades can unify the design. For bold art, neutral mats such as white, off white or light grey allow the artwork to stand out.

Consider the Room and Style

Think about where the piece will hang. A modern home may suit sleek, minimal matboards, while traditional interiors often look best with warmer tones or textured finishes.

Go Acid-Free for Long-Term Protection

When buying matboards Australia wide, opt for acid free or archival matboards for valuable or sentimental pieces. These materials help prevent fading and discolouration caused by acids present in standard cardboard mats.

Choose the Right Width

A wider mat can make smaller pieces feel more substantial, while narrow mats work well for larger artworks. As a general guide, aim for a border that is 2 to 4 inches wide, depending on the frame size.

Popular Matboard Styles

• Single Matboard: Clean and simple, ideal for modern displays.
• Double Matboard: Adds depth and contrast with a secondary inner border.
• V-Groove Matboard: Features a thin etched line for an elegant, detailed finish.
• Multi-Window Matboard: Great for photo collages or themed collections.

Order Custom Matboards Online in Australia

At Just Picture Framing Online, you can design and order custom matboards to fit your exact artwork dimensions. Use our easy online frame builder to choose your mat size, colour and layout — all precision-cut to order and delivered Australia-wide. Whether you’re framing a wedding photo, a family portrait or an original print, the right matboard makes all the difference. Explore our full range of custom picture framing options today and give your artwork the finish it deserves.