A black matrix material for increasing resolution and contrast of field emission displays is disclosed. The black matrix material is preferably deposited by electrophoresis in the interstitial regions between phosphor pixels of the faceplate. By this technique, high resolution and/or small surface area field emission displays may be manufactured. The black matrix material does not brown when subjected to the conditions associated with the manufacture of field emission displays, is chemically inert and remains stable under vacuum conditions and electron bombardment. The black matrix material is selected from boron carbide, silicon carbide, tungsten carbide, vanadium carbide and mixtures thereof.