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

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.

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.

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.

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.

5. Place the mat on a cutting board or cutting mat.

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.

7. Measure and mark the back of the mat, drawing the window that you'll cut out.

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.

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.

10. Stop right at the window's corner so you don't overshoot.

11. Finish the cut with an X-Acto knife.

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.

on 8/8/2006 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!

on 8/8/2006 Use an emery board to smooth defects in cutting edges. Use either rough or smooth side.

on 7/13/2006 To successfully cut a matt, your blade must be razor sharp, otherwise the cut will be fuzzy. Change the blade every 2-3 matts you cut.
It's possible to fix a bad cut with fine sandpaper. I cut matts a lot and have made a wood frame to help. The frame essentially holds the mattboard and ruler steady, so nothing slips while you're cutting.

on 11/22/2005 Mat cutting takes a lot of practice! My first experiences with mat cutting were horrible. It took me near a year to learn to cut a mat perfectly. Always use the same mat cutter when you are learning, you have to learn how to use the tools you have. A nicer, or more expensive mat cutter isn't really going to make the process easier. You have to learn the skill first!

on 11/22/2005 Purchase a boning tool; a small white piece of bone with a point at the end. After you have cut your mat, check to see if you have over-cut, which is probable. Take the bone and rub gently on the mat where you over cut. Most of the time the over-cut will appear less visible.