How to Cut a Picture Frame Mat
A mat is what gives art a finished look. It creates a "frame" inside the frame. Here are a few easy steps to help you frame your photo to give it a more professional and polished look.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Art
- Cutting Mats
- Mat Cutters
- Paper And Pencils
- X-Acto Knives
- Rulers
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1
Decide how much of a mat border you want to leave around the art. As a general rule, leave at least 3 inches on the sides and top and 4 inches on the bottom.
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2
Calculate how much art you want to show through the window. For example, if you are framing a photograph that is 5 inches by 8 inches, you could cut a 6-inch-by-9-inch window and reveal the edge of the photo (and a 1/2-inch border all around) - or, you could cut a 4-inch-by-7-inch window and "crop" the photo.
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3
"Float" a small piece on a large mat - revealing the entire piece of paper plus a border - for a very dramatic look. This works particularly well for art that bleeds off the edge of the paper.
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4
Cut a piece of mat board to fit your picture frame. Measure the interior of the frame and mark these dimensions on the back of your mat.
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5
Place the mat on a cutting board or cutting mat.
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6
Place a straightedge along one of the lines, hold it steady, and run a cutter along its edge. Make two or more runs down the straightedge if necessary.
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7
Measure and mark the back of the mat, drawing the window that you'll cut out.
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8
Cut the window from the back using your mat cutter. Place the straightedge along one of the lines, hold it steady and run the cutter down the edge.
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9
Make sure the bevel is slanted out away from the window you are cutting so that the bevel will be visible from the "right" side of the mat.
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10
Stop right at the window's corner so you don't overshoot.
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11
Finish the cut with an X-Acto knife.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Practice on scraps until you get the feel of it.
The handheld mat cutter called a Dexter (less than $20) will give you a beveled edge and, with a little practice, a fine window. If you're going to be doing this regularly, a professional-quality cutter ($300-$800) is worth its weight in gold.
"Weight" the bottom of the mat - that is, there should be more mat visible below the art than above it.
If all else fails, have a framing shop cut the window for you.
Don't let your finger go over the edge of the ruler - mat cutters are sharp.
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Comments
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very interesting!
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ggood
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Aug 08, 2006
Use an emery board to smooth defects in cutting edges. Use either rough or smooth side. -
Aug 08, 2006
Use an emery board to smooth defects in cutting edges. Use either rough or smooth side.
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Aug 08, 2006
1. You start cutting a double mat the same as a single mat, making that first window (top mat). 2. Then cut the "bottom" mat board 1 inch smaller than the "top" mat. You need to use the same outside edge to cut both openings. 3. Use double sided tape about 1/2 inch inside the window cutout to secure the two boards together, making sure the top or outside window cut out stays in position. I use about 3 pieces of tape near the middle to save the edges so window waste can be used for smaller works. 4. Measure and mark the "bottom or inside" mat about 1/4 inch larger from the edge (inside window will be smaller) and cut as usual. I use a Logan mat cutter and the work is fairly easy. The main things to remember; 1 - measure twice cut once, 2 - change the blade often!
