A matboard is a sheet of board positioned around an artwork inside its frame, creating a border between the image and the frame itself. It is commonly used when framing photographs, prints, drawings and other works on paper.
Matboard can introduce visual balance and create a sense of space around the image. A generous border may give a small work greater presence, while a narrower border can produce a more compact finish.
Matboards are available in different colours, textures and qualities. The choice can be subtle, allowing the artwork to take centre stage, or more expressive, drawing attention to a particular colour or detail.
Matboard can also help separate artwork from the glazing when incorporated into an appropriate framing construction. For works that require additional preservation, the quality of the materials and mounting method matters.