How to Custom Mat Your Pictures

Custom matting your photographs or other art work can be daunting if you are unsure of what kind of board to use or even where to start. With the right tools and supplies though, and a bit of practice, you can cut your own matte boards in no time.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Photograph
• Matte board or foam core
• Sharp X-acto knife
• Sturdy ruler
• Clean table surface
• Large piece of cardboard

1. Find a piece of matte board that is about 2 to 3 inches larger than your photograph on every side. For example, if you have a photograph that is 5 x 7, your matte board should be at least 7 x 9.

2. Set up a clean area on a large surface. You will want to put down a backing piece of cardboard over your table so you do not cut through and scratch it.

3. Measure your matte board to a size slightly smaller than your intended frame (approximately 1/16 of an inch or smaller.)

4. Measure the opening for your photograph. You can measure the opening to be the exact size of your photographic image or choose to show a slight white edge around it depending on your preference.

5. Plan to “weight” the bottom edge of your frame. Optically, if your opening is exactly in the center, it will appear to be slightly off-center. Correct for that by adding ¼ to ½ an inch extra on the bottom of your board. For example, if your board is 7 x 9 and your opening needs to be large enough for a 5 x 7 image, make the top edge of your matte 1 ¾ inches wide, your side edges 2 inches wide, and your bottom edge 2 ¼ inches wide. Trace this opening on the back side of the matte using your ruler to make straight lines.

6. Place your matte with its good side down, on a clean piece of cardboard, and line up your ruler with the first edge. Very carefully, using the X-acto knife, cut your first edge. Take care to keep your fingers out of the way at all time. Repeat for each side of the matte board.

7. Place your photograph. You can hold it in place using a small piece of archival tape (known as “Linen” tape) on each side of the back of the matte.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use any kind of matte board or foam core to create custom mattes. Foam core is easier to cut than a thick, archival matte board, and you might want to practice before cutting a thicker board.
• If you have many mattes to cut, or plan to cut more in the future, you might want to invest in a professional, sliding blade matte cutter. Ask at your local art or photographic supply store.
• Be aware that some boards have fibers that are “acidic” and non-archival, meaning they can slowly deteriorate your photographs. For best results, always use a museum quality piece of matte board. Ask your local art supply store for a good quality, archival board if you are matting a one-of-a-kind photograph.
• If you are matting a photograph that is on a more disposable quality piece of paper, such as a digital photograph on laser printer, you may choose to use a cheaper matte board, especially if you have the original digital image and can make a new copy at any time.