How to Double Mat a Picture

A double mat is a wonderful and striking way to showcase a special piece of art.

A double-matted picture can be a striking addition to your wall decor, as well as providing a protective element to your artwork itself. While a single mat can certainly be attractive, the addition of a second mat helps to add an element of contrast to the image, and is also a great way to tie into the general color theme of the wall or room around it. A double mat is a terrific way to showcase a special piece of art.

Things You'll Need

• Mat boards (3)
• Pencil
• T-square
• Straight edge ruler
• Utility knife
• Utility knife blades

Instructions

Double-matting Your Picture

1. Use your T-square to measure the size of your picture frame, from outer edge to outer edge.

2. Mark the measurements of your picture frame size on the backs of all three mats in pencil.

3. Cut out all three picture mats using your utility knife or mat cutter at the precise measurements of the outer frame size. Always cut into the backs of your mats when cutting, not the front.

4. Flip your back mat so that the front is facing forward, then measure length and width with your T-square to find the exact center of the mat.

5. Place your image in the exact center of the back mat using the center mark as a guide.

6. Use a ruler and/or T-square and measure an inch or two into the picture you're matting, depending on the desired size you want for your inner (bottom layer) mat. Be careful not to go too far into the picture itself, or you will end up covering part of the picture with the mat. Ideally, you'll want to leave some white space around all edges of the art itself.

   Mark your measurements on the back of the inner mat itself for easier cutting.

7. Cut your inner (bottom) mat on the back of the mat to the marked measurements, using your knife.

8. For your top (outer) mat, measure one-fourth inch out from your inner mat, marking your measurements as always on the back side of the mat.

9. Cut out the top mat from the back, using your knife to carefully and precisely cut the opening for your top, slightly larger mat.

10. Place your first top (inner) mat over your centered picture against the back mat. The back mat most closely frames the image. Then place the slightly larger, wider (outer) mat on top, so that all three are sandwiched and ready to insert into the frame.

    Your final order should be: Bottom, or base, mat; centered picture; inner top mat; and outer top mat.

11. Put the entire package of mats and artwork into your frame, with the artwork facing the glass. Fasten and secure the contents, and your artwork is now beautifully double-matted and ready to hang!

References

• Preservation and Conservation: State Archives of Florida: How to Mat a Piece of Art
• The Luminous Landscape: The Why and How of Matting Photographs
• The Small Object Steno Pad: How I Cut a Mat