Ok
Ok
What is the question
Cancel
PICTURE FRAMES
CUSTOM PICTURE FRAMES
CUSTOM PICTURE FRAMES
Design Your Framing Package Online!
Add Mats, Glass & Acrylic, Mounting Board And More.
Search
My Account
Log In
Favorites
Saved Designs
Shopping Cart
Order picture mat samples to see actual color and texture before committing to a larger mat or framing project. Samples are especially helpful when you are choosing between similar whites, fabrics, metallics, black core options, or other finishes that can look different in person than they do on a screen.
Shop Picture Mat Samples by Type
Different sample categories help you test different kinds of matting, from conservation boards to decorative fabrics and budget-friendly paper mats. If you are building a larger project after choosing a color, it can help to review Custom Picture Mats, Full Sheet Mat Board, and All Picture Frames while you narrow your final direction.
Main Sample Categories
Archival Mat Samples
- Acid free
- Conservation
- Archival mat samples
- Crescent Select
- 4-ply 1/16" thick
- Over 190 colors
Acid-free archival mat samples for choosing conservation colors before ordering finished mats or mat board.
Shop Now Fabric Mat I Samples- Silk
- Suede
- Linen
- Archival mat samples
- 4-ply 1/16" thick
- Over 35 colors
Silk, suede, and linen mat samples for decorative presentation and premium texture selection.
Shop Now Fabric Mat II Samples- Silk
- Suede
- Linen
- Archival mat samples
- 4-ply 1/16" thick
- Over 40 colors
A second set of textured fabric-finish samples for higher-end decorative mat choices.
Shop Now Museum Rising Mat Samples- Legion Museum
- Rising
- Conservation
- Archival mat samples
- 4-ply 1/16" thick
- 3 colors
Museum-grade conservation samples for projects where preservation standards matter most.
Shop Now Archival Black Core Samples- Acid free
- Black core
- Conservation
- Archival mat samples
- Crescent Select
- 4-ply 1/16" thick
- 2 colors
Black core sample pieces that help you evaluate sharper edge definition and graphic contrast.
Shop Now Archival Metallic Samples- Acid free
- Metallic
- Conservation
- Archival mat samples
- Crescent Select
- 4-ply 1/16" thick
- 9 colors
Metallic sample pieces for decorative matting designs that need reflective accents.
Shop Now Archival 8 Ply Samples- Acid free
- 8 ply
- Conservation
- Archival mat samples
- Crescent Select
- 8-ply 1/8" thick
- 4 colors
Thicker 8-ply mat samples for evaluating deeper bevel presentation and premium depth.
Shop Now Economy Mat Samples- Decorative
- Paper
- Crescent Berkshire
- 4-ply 1/16" thick
- Less expensive
- Over 10 colors
Decorative paper mat samples for affordable framing, larger projects, and budget-conscious testing.
Shop NowHow to Use Mat Samples
Mat samples are most useful when you want to test color in the actual room light, compare close shades side by side, or confirm a texture before moving into a larger purchase. For more planning help, useful supporting pages include White Mat Color Shades, Picture Framing Guides, and how to frame a print without damaging it.
For Color Accuracy
Samples are the easiest way to see how whites, creams, neutrals, and specialty finishes actually look in person before ordering full mats.
For Texture and Finish
Fabric, metallic, and black core samples help when the mat itself is an important visual design element in the final presentation.
Before Ordering the Final Mat
Once you have the right sample in hand, the next step is usually ordering the final mat or the matching full sheet board.
Related Matting and Framing Tools
Mat samples are often the first step in a larger framing workflow. These related pages help you move from testing a color to ordering the final mat, board, or frame package.
Custom Picture Mats
Move from color testing into a finished custom-cut mat package once you know what shade you want.
Full Sheet Mat Board
Shop the matching full sheet mat board after narrowing your preferred sample category.
White Mat Color Shades
Use the white-mat guide when you are deciding between close white and off-white options.
Picture Mat Samples FAQ
These quick answers cover the most common questions about ordering and using picture mat samples. For more detail, you can also review Picture Framing Guides, Custom Picture Mats, and Full Sheet Mat Board while planning your project.
What size are picture mat samples?
Picture mat samples on this page are small pieces that let you see the actual color and surface texture before ordering a full mat or full sheet board. They are meant for color evaluation rather than framing use.
Why should I order mat samples first?
Mat samples help you compare color and texture in person, which is especially useful when whites, neutrals, metallics, or fabric finishes look different on screen than they do in real light.
Can I use samples before ordering custom mats?
Yes. Ordering samples first is one of the best ways to narrow your preferred mat category and color before moving into a finished custom mat design.
Do you offer archival and economy samples?
Yes. This page includes archival conservation samples, fabric samples, black core, metallic, 8-ply, museum-grade, and economy paper mat samples.
How quickly do mat samples usually ship?
Mat samples are typically processed quickly because shoppers often need them before placing a larger mat or framing order. Timing can vary slightly, but the goal is to get them out promptly.
