Journal · framing
Single mat, double mat, or float — what the art needs.
The mat is not decoration first. It's the air gap that keeps paper off glass — and the border that teaches your eye where to rest. Style comes along for the ride.
Give the paper room to breathe.
Why almost every paper piece wants a mat (or a spacer)
Paper pressed to glass can stick, mildew, and stain — especially in Florida humidity. A window mat (or hidden spacers in a no-mat design) holds that gap. Canvas usually skips glazing entirely; different rules.
Single mat
One board, one window. Clean, quiet, the default for photography and strong images that don't need a second voice. Width usually grows with the art — skinny mats on big pieces feel anxious.
Double mat
Two boards stacked; a thin reveal of the inner color shows. That reveal often picks up a tone from the art. Depth without shouting. Diplomas and portraits love this.
Float mount
The sheet sits on the board so deckled or torn edges stay visible, with a shadow gap around. Spacers keep the glass off the paper. This is how fine-art prints show their handmade edge — see also Cold Press.
Archival isn't optional here
Acidic board burns paper edges brown over time (mat burn). Everything touching your art at our bench is acid-free / lignin-free. For originals we go full conservation: reversible hinges, nothing glued to the piece.
Ways in
Design with live mats · Framing FAQ · Which glass · Book a consult.
Air first. Accent second.
Pick the mat that protects the paper — then make it beautiful.
Try mats on your photo