How to Cut a Beveled Picture Mat
Beveled picture mats can enhance framed artwork. The 45-degree angle of the beveled mat exposes the white lining of the mat board and creates a pleasing two-tone effect, showing the color of the mat as well as a thin white border around the entire picture. Bevels are created with special mat cutters that have angled blades meant specifically for this task. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Mat board
- Beveled hand-held mat cutter
- Large work table
- 2 sheets of tag board
- 36-inch metal ruler
- Pencil
- Soft eraser
- Razor blades
Instructions
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Measuring for the Mat Opening
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1
Put two layers of tag board on a flat, clean work surface and lay the mat board on top, face up.
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2
Place the metal ruler on the mat board. Use pencil to lightly mark the desired opening for the mat, connecting the lines to create a square or rectangular shape.
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3
Measure 1/4 inch inside the existing pencil lines to create the guide lines for cutting the beveled mat opening.
Cutting the Beveled Picture Mat With Hand-Held Cutter
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4
Place the metal ruler against one of the inside guide lines.
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5
Put the beveled cutter against the edge of the ruler at the top of the guide line. Start cutting 1/4 inch above the overlapping pencil lines to compensate for the blade starting the angled cut.
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6
Firmly plunge the blade through the mat board and pull the beveled mat cutter to the next set of intersecting pencil lines. Over cut slightly.
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7
Repeat steps 1-3 for the remaining three cuts until entire beveled mat is cut.
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8
Use a clean, soft eraser to remove any pencil marks on the mat.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Keep your work area clean so mats will not become soiled.
Always keep a fresh, sharp blade in the beveled mat cutter.
Should the center of the mat not freely fall out after completing all four cuts, take a razor blade and slide it into the slit near one of the corners. Use a mild sawing action until the inner mat square/rectangle breaks free.
Be careful when using mat cutters with sharp blades.
