How to Frame & Mat Sepia Photos

Sepia photos, like all photos, are better-preserved if they are matted and framed. Matting a photo keeps it from touching the glass of the frame, which, over time, will damage it. The cardboard mat also makes the picture stand out more in the frame by providing a second border. This draws attention to the photo and makes it stand on its own, with the frame supporting it rather than the other way around.

Things You'll Need

• Frame
• Sheet of mat
• Ruler
• X-Acto knife
• 1 pencil

Instructions

1. Measure your photo accurately and deduct 1/4 inch from every side. This is to give your photo a border. So, if you have a 3x5-inch photo, the adjusted size will be 2 and 3/4-inches by 4 and 3/4-inches.

2. Subtract your measurements from the total mat size. So if the mat is 8x10 inches, your result will be 5 and 1/4 inches by 5 and 1/4 inches.

3. Divide your subtraction result by 2. So, the result is 2 and 39/125 inches.

4. Measure 2 and 39/125 inches from the edge of the picture and mark it on the back of the mat.

5. Cut the line you drew in step 4 with an X-acto knife.

6. Put the picture behind the mat and put the whole thing into your frame.

References

• Luminous Landscape: Matting