17x31 Deep Blue / Midnight Blue Custom Picture Frame Mat - Precise Cut

Our review of the 17x31 Deep Blue / Midnight Blue Custom Mat focuses on home decorators and photographers who need a reliable mat that fits a 13x27 photo inside a 17x31 frame. The bottom line: this mat delivers a clean, classic look and professional construction without paying for a full framing service, and it stands out because of its accurate cut and color fidelity. For anyone mounting a large panoramic print or heirloom photograph, the mat offers the practical precision most custom shops promise but at a simpler DIY-friendly option.

Key Features

• Material: Built from standard 4 ply mat board used by custom frame shops, it provides sturdy support and a professional finish when placed in a frame.
• Conservation grade: The lignin-free, pH-neutral composition protects photos and prints from acid damage over time.
• Frame compatibility: Cut to fit a 17x31 frame so installers know immediately whether it will seat into common large rectangular frames.
• Photo opening: Designed to display a 13x27 photo with an actual opening of 12.75x26.75 in for an exact fit and visually consistent border.
• Color accuracy: The deep blue / midnight blue tone reproduces reliably in customer feedback, helping maintain a classic, muted look around the image.
• Custom cuts available: Custom opening sizes can be requested for nonstandard prints or creative matting layouts.

Who It's For

This mat is well suited to hobbyist framers, photographers, and homeowners who want a near-custom mat without commissioning full framing. The precise opening and professional 4 ply construction make it a practical choice when preserving prints or creating a gallery-style presentation.

It is less appropriate for someone who needs a complete framed product or a highly decorative, ornate mat design; those buyers should consult a full-service framer for glazing, backing, and frame selection. Also consider custom ordering if your photo dimensions differ from the 13x27 nominal size.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Quality: Customers report solid mat construction and a professional look consistent with custom shops.
• Measurement accuracy: The actual opening of 12.75x26.75 in ensures the intended photo fits as expected.
• Color fidelity: The deep blue / midnight blue is praised for accurate, classic appearance that complements many images.
• Conservation: Lignin-free, pH-neutral materials help protect valuable prints over time.

Cons

• Not a framed product: Frame is not included, so buyers must already have or purchase a compatible 17x31 frame.
• Limited to shown opening unless custom cut is requested, which adds steps to order for unusual sizes.

Specifications

Product	17x31 Deep Blue / Midnight Blue Mat (mat only)
Fits Frame Size	17x31 in
Intended Photo Size	13x27 in
Actual Opening	12.75x26.75 in
Material	Standard 4 ply mat board
Conservation	Lignin-free, pH-neutral
Custom Options	Custom opening sizes available on request

Our Verdict

The 17x31 Deep Blue / Midnight Blue Custom Mat is a smart buy for anyone who needs a high-quality mat board with accurate cuts and archival materials without paying for full framing. It delivers reliable fit and color for 13x27 prints and remains good value for DIY framing and gallery displays, provided buyers supply a 17x31 frame or opt for a custom opening when needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a 13x27 photo fit exactly?
Yes; the mat is designed for a 13x27 photo with an actual opening of 12.75x26.75 in to allow for an exact fit and slight overlap for mounting.

Is the mat safe for archival prints?
Yes; it is made from lignin-free and pH-neutral materials suitable for preserving photographs and prints.

Does the product include the frame?
No; this listing is mat only and requires a separate 17x31 frame purchase or an existing frame.