How to Mat a Watercolor Painting

When you finish painting a watercolor masterpiece, framing that piece can be a bit confusing if you are unfamiliar with the process. Once you learn how to properly mat your pieces and have practiced with plenty of scrap matboard, it gets much easier to go from a fresh painting to a polished piece of artwork that will last for years to come and add beauty to any wall.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ruler
• Matboard
• Mounting board
• Framing tape
• Mat cutter
• Frame
• Pencil

Preparation

1. Measure the painting with a ruler. Don't use the actual edges of the painting of canvas to determine the size of the opening for the matboard. Instead, select the viewable area and use this measurement to choose a mat.

2. Go find supplies at your local arts and crafts store, or order from a supplier online. You will need matboard, mounting board, acid-free framing tape, a mat cutter or very sharp blade and a T-square. You also need a frame with glass and a backing, or you could get an open frame and buy a backing paper to go behind the mounting board to preserve your piece and keep the dust out.

3. Choose a neutral color of matboard and a frame that fits the style of the piece. Pick a neutral tone in your piece and find a matboard in that same color to highlight the piece. Avoid bright colors that will overwhelm the watercolor. The purpose of matting is to draw the eye of the viewer inward to focus them on the painting, not on the mat.

4. Consider springing for higher quality archival or museum quality supplies to lengthen the life of your watercolor painting. Though more expensive, the initial investment is worth it to preserve something that you love. Look for archival or museum quality labels when buying your matboard, mounting board, and framing tape.

Cutting the Mat

5. Practice with the matcutter or blade and t-square on scrap matboard before you begin. You want to measure the dimensions for the cut out section of the matboard and then pencil that cutout onto the back of the matboard.

6. Avoid overcuts in the corners and ragged edges by using a good matcutter or by aligning a t-square and holding it down while you use a very sharp blade to cut each side.

7. Prepare the mounting board by cutting it fit the frame and then use framing tape to put the watercolor painting in place on top of the mounting board.

8. Check the dimensions again and then cut the inside cutout of the matboard. Verify the measurements against the painting and then proceed to cut the outer edges of the mat to fit the frame. Use more framing tape to secure the mat to the mounting board.

9. Remove any dust or stray dirt or hair from the mat area and the painting and then place the glass over the matboard and the frame over everything. Use the backing that came with the frame, or cut backing paper to match the dimensions of the frame and then secure everything in place in the frame.