How to Easily Matte Your Family Portraits at Home

Here is a simple way to add an attractive matte to make your family portraits more attractive and enjoyable.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A Family Portrait
• A Frame with Glass and Backing
• A Xacto Knife
• Construction Paper
• A Metal Ruler with a soft back
• Scotch Tape
• A pencil

1. Use the glass from the frame to outline a template on your construction paper. Larger frames will normally require larger paper like poster board. Tape the glass to the paper and lightly score the paper with the xacto knife. This will help you find the outside edge of your matte.
2. Slowly and gently apply more pressure with the blade of the knife along each edge of the glass. You will eventually cut all of the way through and have a solid piece of paper the same size as your glass. Discard the leftover paper.
3. Do a little math and find the difference in your frame size and your picture size. For instance, if you are using a 10X13 frame and an 8X10 photo, you have a difference of 2X3 inches. Then add 1/2 inch on each of these measurements. This sets the total border size for your matte.
4. Doing a little more math, divide you final numbers by 2. This will set the measurement for each of your 4 sides. Example:
   2 1/2 in. divided by 2=1 1/4in. 3 1/2 in divided by 2=1 3/4 in.
   Measure in from the sides of the matte 1 1/4 inch and mark at the top and bottom. Use the ruler to draw a solid line to connect your marks.
5. Repeat step 4 for the top and bottom, measuring 1 3/4 inches this time. Mark your measurements and draw your lines. You should now have a box drawn on your matte material.
6. Use the ruler to guide your xacto knife like in step 2. Use the knife to cut out the inside of the matte. DO NOT cut past your drawn lines. This will damage the front of the matte and you will have to start over. Take your time and move slowly.
7. Use the tape to secure the portrait to the back of the matte. Secure one corner only while you check the front side to make sure your portrait is centered. Once you are happy with placement you can secure the remaining 3 corners.
8. Place the glass into the frame and then the matter picture behind the glass. Then secure the backing board in place as well. Enjoy your newly enhanced photo!

Tips & Warnings

• Try to keep your cuts as straight as you can.
• Measure twice, cut once.
• Use "non glare" glass to enhance your portraits appearance.
• Make sure the backing board goes in right side up. Some board have stands or hangers connected, and they only work one way.
• Practice makes perfect.
• Be careful! Xacto knifes are sharp!
• Take care with the glass as the edges can cut you.