5 best mattes

Mattes in the context of photography and filmmaking are specialized materials or techniques used to create a controlled background or foreground element in a shot. They play a crucial role in achieving various visual effects, such as compositing multiple images or altering the background scenery.

  1. Background Matting: In photography and videography, a matte can be used as a backdrop to provide a specific background for the subject. Commonly, matte backgrounds come in various colors and textures, such as solid colors or patterns, to suit different creative needs. These backdrops can be made of materials like fabric, paper, or vinyl.

  2. Chromakey/Green Screen Matting: One of the most well-known uses of mattes is in green screen or chromakey compositing. A green or blue background (often called a green screen or blue screen) is used, which is later replaced with a different background during post-production. The color of the screen is easily separable from the subject, allowing for precise background removal or replacement using digital editing software.

  3. Alpha Matting: Alpha matting is a technique used in digital image and video editing to isolate a subject from its background with a high level of precision. It involves creating a matte that contains information about the transparency (alpha channel) of each pixel in the image. This is particularly useful for compositing, as it allows the subject to be seamlessly placed in a new background.

  4. Traveling Mattes: A traveling matte is a technique used in film and video production where a specific object or area within a frame is isolated, allowing for separate treatment in post-production. This can involve applying visual effects to only the isolated area while leaving the rest of the frame unchanged.

  5. Matte Painting: Matte painting is an art form used in filmmaking, where artists create highly detailed and realistic backgrounds or landscapes on a matte surface. These painted mattes are then combined with live-action footage to create scenes that would be difficult or impossible to capture on location.

  6. Matte Boxes: In cinematography, a matte box is an accessory mounted on the front of a camera lens to control and block unwanted light from entering the lens. It often includes adjustable flaps or flags to create various cinematic effects and reduce lens flare.

  7. Lighting Control: In a photo or video studio, mattes can also be used to control and shape the lighting. For instance, flags or matte black surfaces can be strategically placed to block or shape light, creating the desired atmosphere and reducing unwanted reflections or shadows.

  8. Storage and Care: When it comes to storage and care, mattes should be stored properly to prevent wrinkles or damage. Roll them up or keep them in protective sleeves to maintain their quality. Cleaning should be done with care to avoid any damage to the surface.

In the realm of photography and videography, mattes serve as valuable tools for achieving creative and technical goals, enabling the creation of stunning visuals and special effects while maintaining control over the presentation of the subject matter.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best mattes on the market
  

Golden State Art, Pack of 10 White Pre-Cut 16x20 Picture Mat for 11x14 Photo with White Core Bevel Cut Mattes Sets. Includes 10 High Premier Acid Free Mats & 10 Backing Board & 10 Clear Bags

Based on 342 reviews Check latest price
  • Set includes: 10 16x20 White Mats, 10 Backing boards, & 10 Clear Bags
  • The mat opening size is 10.5"x13.5" for 11x14 print.
  • The mat is 4-ply thick (about 1.4 mm or 1/16 inch).
  • Backing Board Color is White on both sides .
  • The clear bag has re-sealable adhesive strip below the opening of the bag instead of on the flap.

User questions & answers

Question: Can i buy the kit with the larger window? you have on your store website the 16x 20 with a 12x16 window, but i can’t find it offered on amazon
Answer: Hello, here is the ASIN B00YER4KVA for the 16X20 precut for 12x16 Photo + Backing + Bags. Thank you!
Question: would it be possible to mix 12 black and 13 white mats in the same order
Answer: I do apologize, we are not able to customize orders on Amazon.
Question: Are these bevel cut? The description says yes, some reviews say no
Answer: Yes its a bevel edge opening, as well as all our other mat frames. Also, if there is a straight cut you would have to flip it to the other side because we face it towards each other when we pack them. Thanks!
Question: how thick is the backing board
Answer: 1/16" same as the mat board
Question: Aboiuit how big can you make this decal,..how about 36" long by X dimensions up & down to keep ratio aspect rationfor a 98 Z28 Camaro
Answer: I only got the decal in their 6" by 4" I don't believe it comes in a 36" long
Question: do you have this decal in a larger size
Answer: Yes I can make any of are decals larger how big do you want it.
Question: does this adhere inside or outside the window
Answer: It goes on the outside, I covered a scratch on my bumper with it, it has been on for several months and still looks like new. It will stick to the outside of your window and will not come off even going through a car wash.
Question: Does anyone besides me feel like this image crosses the social bounds of decency
Answer: I feel like that is the exact reason why I pick a sticker like this to go on my tool box, we as humans have gone through alot of thing and forgotten alot of things. Sometimes it's good to have something that is just "eye catching". If we erase all that is bad we will not learn from the past. And on top of that it is a nice conversational piece when given the opportunity to open weird dialog... my suggestion is if it does not fit where where you are going to place it, don't place it.

Product features

Great Quality

  • Pre-Cut, 4-ply thickness
  • Perfect beveled cut
  • White core
  • Acid-free!

Accurate Size made to display your print

Standard mat openings are smaller cut than the actual photo print size.

This is to cover the edge or any white border of the print.

To Determine the correct size, See details on the inner opening to see which mat fit your print on description/below.

Protect your Photos

The mat helps separate the photo print from the glass from frames.

Display and hold your art or document print in place.

Gives an extra aesthetic look!

Decorate Your Home

Applying photo mats to the prints.

Display a gallery of matted prints on the wall, desk, etc.

DIY Gift for Friends/Family

Create your own design with the mats and kits. Turn it into an amazing gift or art crafts.

Personalize the Mat

Draw or write on the mat.

Can use it as signature mat for graduation, wedding, or baby shower, etc!

Matting your Frames/Prints

Give an additional look!

Add a single mat in your frames or prints.

Golden State Art Acid Free, Pack of 25 11x14 White Picture Mats Mattes with White Core Bevel Cut for 8x10 Photo + Backing + Bags

Based on 849 reviews Check latest price
  • Set of 25 pieces of 11x14 Picture Mats for 8x10 Photo with backing boards and bags
  • This item comes with the 25 pre-cut mats, 25 backing boards and 25 clear bags.
  • The opening size is 7.5"x9.5" for 8x10 print. Color: White
  • The mats are beveled cut with white core and 4-ply thick (about 1.4 mm or 1/16 inch), The backing is white on both side.
  • The re-sealable adhesive strip of the clear bag is below the opening of the bag instead of on the flap.

User questions & answers

Question: Do you have any mats that are cut for an 8x12 photo
Answer: Hi,Yes we do.. You can go on our direct site and search in the search navigation 11x14 for 8x12. We have set for this size.The exact cut out is 7.5x11.5 (for 8x12 picture). We also offer free shipping as well.If you place your order within the next 5-6 hours, we can ship it out today.Thanks,Leslie
Question: Will I have to cut my 8x10" photos to make them fit in these mats
Answer: No, I have put all of my 8x10 photos in these mats and they fit perfectly. I had to use tape of course to make the prints stay since it is just a mat, but I would expect that. No cutting needed!
Question: How thick are the backings? They look thick in the picture
Answer: I agree that the backs are about as thick as the mat. Sturdy, but not terribly thick. Not as thick as mat board I've had cut for me at local stores. They are nice for a low cost matting system.
Question: is this acid free matts
Answer: Yes they are acid free - I use them for matting watercolors.

Product features

Package your artwork neatly!

A complete show kit with:

  • Pre-cut Photo Mat Board
  • Clear Sleeve Bags
  • Backer Boards

Quality Photo Mats

Standard mat openings are smaller cut than the actual photo print size. This is to cover the edge or any white border of the print.

Mat Board features:

  • Pre-Cut, 4-ply thickness
  • Perfect beveled cut
  • White core
  • Acid-free!

Backer Boards

Sturdy boards that provide additional support when matting photos or prints.

Clear Sleeve Bags

  • Clear bags made to fit art prints and photo matting.
  • Adhesive strip on bag
  • Protect artwork and photos from dirt, dust, etc.
  • For photo display and storage.

Decorate Your Home

Applying photo mats to the prints.

Display a gallery of matted prints on the wall, desk, etc.

DIY Gift for Friends/Family

Create your own design with the mats and kits. Turn it into an amazing gift or art crafts.

Personalize the Mat

Draw or write on the mat.

Can use it as signature mat for graduation, wedding, or baby shower, etc!

Matting your Art/Prints

Give an additional look with the Mats!

Quick, Simple art display and showcasing!

Golden State Art Pack of 50 8x10 White Picture Mats Mattes with White Core Bevel Cut for 5x7 Photo + Backing + Bags

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Any question? Please call us at 650-226-8119. This item comes with 50 pre-cut mats, 50 backing boards and 50 clear bags. The opening size is 4.5"x6.5" for 5x7 print. The mats are beveled cut. The backing is also 4-ply. The re-sealable adhesive strip of the clear bag is below the opening of the bag instead of on the flap. Our acid-free whitecore matboards are a 4-ply papermat that provide the aesthetic and design benefits of a bright white bevel. It can be used for matting photos, art, and needlepoint. Also great for crafts, backboards, signs, children's projects, and school projects.

  • Set of 50 pieces of 8x10 Picture Mats for 5x7 Photo with backing boards and bags
  • This item comes with the 50 pre-cut mats, 50 backing boards and 50 clear bags.
  • The opening size is 4.5"x6.5" for 5x7 print. Color: WHITE
  • The mats are beveled cut with white core and 4-ply thick (about 1.4 mm or 1/16 inch), The backing is white on both side.
  • The re-sealable adhesive strip of the clear bag is below the opening of the bag instead of on the flap.

User questions & answers

Question: After assembling, can you stack, say 50 finished mats with photos in them, in the plastic coverings? Would the plastic envelopes harm them in any way
Answer: The plastic envelopes protect them. The photo/artwork is placed on the backing board supplied. Then the mat is put over the top, adjusted/positioned then internally hinged at the top to the backing board with two 1" pieces of self adhesive tape. I then place a small piece of double sided tape 1" at the foot on the inside to fix the mat to the backing board. Note of caution, the apature can vary, the first ones I ordered were 5x7 the exact size of that size of photos, the the second lot were 6x4 which was disappointing as all my paintings had been done to fit the advertised size.
Question: Can these mat be glued together instead of using tape
Answer: Hello,Yes the mat boards can be glued. But it is not a good idea. Glue will give you a hard time taking the item apart.Which is why we suggest double sided tape or artist tape.Also, glue can damage the mat board.Tivinia
Question: Are the edges of the backing board white? I read one review said they were brown
Answer: The ones I got had white edges. I have ordered these twice before(50 pack) they are really great value. I noticed that the apature had changed in size. The first two lots they were 5"x7" the last time they were 4 1/2" x 6". Which was really annoying as I had my class do their drawings to the bigger size therefore some were not able to be displayed. They are described as being cut to fit a 5x7 photo which is misleading. I guess in retrospect they are being cut smaller to cover the edges of a 5x7 pic.
Question: Do you have to put the backings on yourself, or do they come together and you just slip the photo in
Answer: No, these are individual mats, backboards and bags. there is nothing to "slip" a photo in (actually, I have never heard of such a thing). You simply need to "hinge mount" your photo on the mat ... easy peasy. You can get Artist tape instead of the much more expensive Framers tape for this, too. I found this quick video online for your review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=116UJ1m71sM

Product features

Great Quality

  • Pre-Cut, 4-ply thickness
  • Perfect beveled cut
  • White core
  • Acid-free!

Accurate Size made to display your print

Standard mat openings are smaller cut than the actual photo print size.

This is to cover the edge or any white border of the print.

To Determine the correct size, See details on the inner opening to see which mat fit your print on description/below.

Protect your Photos

The mat helps separate the photo print from the glass from frames.

Display and hold your art or document print in place.

Gives an extra aesthetic look!

Decorate Your Home

Applying photo mats to the prints.

Display a gallery of matted prints on the wall, desk, etc.

DIY Gift for Friends/Family

Create your own design with the mats and kits. Turn it into an amazing gift or art crafts.

Personalize the Mat

Draw or write on the mat.

Can use it as signature mat for graduation, wedding, or baby shower, etc!

Matting your Frames/Prints

Give an additional look!

Add a single mat in your frames or prints.

Pack of 100 5x7 BLACK Picture Mats Mattes with White Core Bevel Cut for 4x6 Photo + Back + Bags

Based on 479 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Our acid-free whitecore matboards are a 4-ply papermat that provide the aesthetic and design benefits of a bright white bevel. It can be used for matting photos, art, and needlepoint. Also great for crafts, backboards, signs, children's projects, and school projects.

  • Set of 100 pieces of 5x7 Picture Mats for 4x6 Photo with backing boards and bags
  • This item comes with the 100 pre-cut mats, 100 backing boards and 100 clear bags.
  • The opening size is 3.5"x5.5" for 4x6 print. Color: BLACK
  • The mats are beveled cut with white core and 4-ply thick (about 1.4 mm or 1/16 inch), The backing is white on both side
  • The re-sealable adhesive strip of the clear bag is below the opening of the bag instead of on the flap.

User questions & answers

Question: Are there smaller sizes offered? I need the opening to be 3.5" x
Answer: No, this is the smallest size opening. However, we do custom cut service. We can cut that size, please email us directly for quotes.
Question: Do you have to glue the back board to the matte frame? and does the 4x6 picture stay inplace between the backing and frame once it's put together
Answer: HelloWe do not suggest glue. What we use for the photo to be attached to the mat board and backing board. Is double sided tape or artist tape.That will go for both the backing board and print.Tivinia
Question: Do you have a mailing bag for this item
Answer: No the item only came with the frames and clear bags to put the frames inside of
Question: Do these stand up
Answer: Hello,The mat boards are not to be stood up.Customers use the item for attaching their print. To either framing the item, art shows, and so much more.We do not carry mat boards that stand up.Tivinia

Product features

Great Quality

  • Pre-Cut, 4-ply thickness
  • Perfect beveled cut
  • White core
  • Acid-free!

Accurate Size made to display your print

Standard mat openings are smaller cut than the actual photo print size.

This is to cover the edge or any white border of the print.

To Determine the correct size, See details on the inner opening to see which mat fit your print on description/below.

Protect your Photos

The mat helps separate the photo print from the glass from frames.

Display and hold your art or document print in place.

Gives an extra aesthetic look!

Decorate Your Home

Applying photo mats to the prints.

Display a gallery of matted prints on the wall, desk, etc.

DIY Gift for Friends/Family

Create your own design with the mats and kits. Turn it into an amazing gift or art crafts.

Personalize the Mat

Draw or write on the mat.

Can use it as signature mat for graduation, wedding, or baby shower, etc!

Matting your Frames/Prints

Give an additional look!

Add a single mat in your frames or prints.

Pack of 25 11x14 Black Picture Mats Mattes with White Core Bevel Cut for 8x10 Photo +Backing +Bags

Based on 248 reviews Check latest price
  • Set of 25 pieces of 11x14 Picture Mats for 8x10 Photo with backing boards and bags
  • This item comes with the 25 pre-cut mats, 25 backing boards and 25 clear bags.
  • The opening size is 7.5"x9.5" for 8x10 print. Color: Black
  • The mats are beveled cut with white core and 4-ply thick (about 1.4 mm or 1/16 inch), The backing is white on both side.
  • The re-sealable adhesive strip of the clear bag is below the opening of the bag instead of on the flap.

User questions & answers

Question: Are the backing boards also matboard
Answer: Hi,No the backing is different from the mat boards. All the backing is white on both sides but the core is brown. thanks,Leslie
Question: can you cut them
Answer: Not sure. They are pretty thick and have a beveled edge on the inside. Unless you have a professional cutting device, I think it would be difficult.
Question: Do matted photographs need to be inserted into frames, or can they be sold alone (for example in a crafts fair
Answer: I'd prefer to buy an undreamed matted photo and use, buy, make a frame that goes with my home design. Just my opinion.
Question: How are the mattes best adhered together with the photo? Can someone advise on what they used to keep the whole thing together with a photo
Answer: Go to a good art supply store and ask for mounting adhesive. It's basically 2 types of tape. One type is to create a hinge that keeps the top mat attached to the bottom piece. Pretty simple: open it like a sandwich and lay a strip of the hinge tape across both pieces, where the edges meet. Now you have a backing with a 'window' mat attached. Center your art/photo on the backing board and take the other tape and attach a piece near each of the top edges of the art by placing the sticky side face up (toward you) and sticking to the underside of the image. Then you put another piece of tape across the exposed sticky part that's sticking up - almost like a 'T'... that should allow the art/photo to stay in place but also be able to be lifted from the bottom edge. If you google photo mounting techniques you'll get the visuals and some good tips. Good luck!

Product features

Great Quality

  • Pre-Cut, 4-ply thickness
  • Perfect beveled cut
  • White core
  • Acid-free!

Accurate Size made to display your print

Standard mat openings are smaller cut than the actual photo print size.

This is to cover the edge or any white border of the print.

To Determine the correct size, See details on the inner opening to see which mat fit your print on description/below.

Protect your Photos

The mat helps separate the photo print from the glass from frames.

Display and hold your art or document print in place.

Gives an extra aesthetic look!

Decorate Your Home

Applying photo mats to the prints.

Display a gallery of matted prints on the wall, desk, etc.

DIY Gift for Friends/Family

Create your own design with the mats and kits. Turn it into an amazing gift or art crafts.

Personalize the Mat

Draw or write on the mat.

Can use it as signature mat for graduation, wedding, or baby shower, etc!

Matting your Frames/Prints

Give an additional look!

Add a single mat in your frames or prints.

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