Things You'll Need:
- Mat cutter (see Resources)
- 11-inch-x-17-inch cutting board
- Mat board
- Pencil
- T-square straight edge ruler
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Step 1
Decide how much mat border you want to have around the picture and the size matting window you desire.
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Step 2
Cut a piece of mat board that will fit inside the picture frame you will be using. Draw the matting window on the back of the mat board.
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Step 3
Place the cutting board on a flat work surface and lay the mat on the cutting board with the back facing up.
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Step 4
Place the T-square ruler against the edge of your work surface. Hold the ruler with your non-dominant hand. Slide the mat board against the edge of the ruler.
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Step 5
Use your dominant hand to position the mat cutter blade on the matting window line you drew in Step 2. The bevel should be slanted away from the window you are cutting to make it look right from the other side.
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Step 6
Slide the ruler over to the blade of the mat cutter and hold it firmly against the edge of the table. Don't let the ruler shift.
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Step 7
Push the mat cutter firmly and evenly away from you along the drawn line with your dominant hand. Hold the ruler firmly in place with your non-dominant hand while moving the mat cutter.
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Step 8
Stop when you reach the corner and reposition the mat board, the ruler, and the mat cutter.
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Step 9
Repeat Steps 4 through 8 to cut the other three edges of the matting window.
