Do-It-Yourself Picture Framing

Framed pictures should always include a mat border.

Framing a picture seems like a simple task at first, but simply placing a picture into a picture frame is not the ideal method of mounting your picture. Placing a photo in a frame without proper matting results in the picture sticking to the glass in the frame. In addition to helping to protect your photo, a mat also creates an attractive border between your picture and the frame. Choosing contrasting colors, such as a black frame with a white mat, makes for an eye-pleasing combination.

Things You'll Need

• Frame
• Mat sheet
• T-square
• Mat cutter
• Tape

Instructions

1. Trace the glass from the frame onto a mat sheet to get the exact dimensions of the picture enclosure.

2. Cut out the outlined section of the mat sheet.

3. Draw a rectangle smaller than the picture's dimensions by twice the desired border size on the cut-out section of mat, then cut out the rectangle. For example, if you are framing a 10-by-8-inch picture with a 1 inch border, draw and cut out an 8-by-6-inch rectangle.

4. Secure the picture to the back of the matting with tape, applying a piece of non-acidic tape vertically near each top corner of the picture.

5. Place the glass into the picture frame.

6. Place the mat and picture into the frame with the mat facing the glass. This prevents the picture from coming in contact with the glass.

7. Place the backing of the frame in after the picture, then secure with the frame's locking mechanism -- most commonly a set of rotating dials which are turned in to prevent the backing from slipping out.

References

• Art Supply; How to Cut a Basic Mat