How to Matte an Art Project
A matte protects delicate art work from contact with the glass or plastic in a frame. Condensation that forms inside the frame or friction when the art rubs against the glass can damage or destroy a painting or drawing. In addition, the matte is an important part of the display. It can highlight or contrast with the color of the work and draw the eye in from the frame to the focal point of the piece. Matting artwork requires some preparation, patience and care. The reward is a professional-looking presentation that safeguards a kindergarten finger-painting or another valued piece in your collection.
Things You'll Need
- Frame with backing
- Acid-free matte board
- X-Acto knife or matte cutter
- Acid-free linen tape or masking tape
- Artist's paste or glue
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Photograph corners
Instructions
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1
Remove the backing from the frame for the piece and place it over the underside of the matte board. Cut the outside perimeter of the acid-free matte board, using the backing as a guide. (When you are finished, the cut pieces should fit inside the groove in the frame without bowing or sliding around.)
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2
Put the art work on the backing or back matte and lightly mark where it will go.
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3
To find the inside cut-out window for your framing or front matte, measure from the outside edges of the backing or back matte to about one-quarter inch inside the edge of the artwork. You will want the framing or front matte to hold the art securely so it should overlap the art on all sides by at least one-quarter inch.
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4
Turn over the front piece of matte board. Measure and mark the window to cut out, using a ruler to draw the lines. Cut the front or framing matte along the marked lines, using an X-Acto knife or a matte cutter. Take care to cut precisely, avoiding any ragged edges. Try to cut the corners sharply without going past the marks in either direction.
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5
Attach the artwork to the backing or back matte where you have marked it. Use photograph corners, linen tape or artist's paste for an important piece. For a casual piece, masking tape may be fine.
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6
Set the front matte over the art. Check to see that all edges of the artwork are covered by the front matte and that no photograph corners or tape show. Attach the front matte to the backing or back matte with tape at the top and bottom. A small piece of tape that wraps over the edge of the two mattes will do--you don't need to tape around the entire package.
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7
Place the mattes, with the artwork sandwiched between them, into the groove of the frame. Add any extra backing that came with the frame. Check to see that the art is not touching the glass in the frame and that the matte sandwich fits securely. Adjust and cover the frame back with paper to keep out dust.
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Tips & Warnings
Purchase acid-free matte board, linen tape and paste from an art supply or stationery store.
You may use one color for the back matte and a contrasting color for the front or "frame" matte.
