How to Price Mats on Picture Framing Works

When you are pricing out picturing framing options, you need to consider mat options as well. To better display the artwork or photograph, a piece of mat board can be placed within the picture frame. Mats can also be used to properly fit images into a standard size frame. The quality and features of the picture frame mat will determine the expense.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Find retailers that sell picture framing mats. This will be a good place to research and compare available prices of picture mats. Some examples of online stores that sell mat options include Mat Shop and American Frame.

2. Consider the thickness of the mat board used for the picture framing. Mat boards for pictures will likely range between four-ply and seven-ply. The thicker mats will cost more than the standard four-ply versions.

3. Compare the materials used for the different picture mats. The picture framing company will let you know the quality of each line of mats they have. Acid-free mat board will be the least expensive, and archival-grade mat board costs more.

4. View the mat size options available from the picture framing business. You will need to provide the measurements for the picture mat. Prepare to give the height, width, top border, side border and bottom border measurements in inches. The larger the picture mat, the higher the price will be.

5. Try to use a pre-cut picture frame mat. Retailers will sell picture frame mats in standard sizes that correspond to standard picture frame sizes. Pre-cut versions will cost you less than ordering a custom cut picture frame mat.

References

• Mat Shop

Resources

• American Frame