Have you ever found the perfect photograph or piece of art, only to discover that it doesn't quite fit the standard frame size you have on hand? Or perhaps the artwork itself seems lost within the frame, lacking definition and visual impact. The secret to a truly stunning presentation often lies not just in the frame itself, but in the perfectly crafted mat that surrounds the artwork. A mat not only provides crucial spacing and protects the artwork from the glass, but it also enhances the visual appeal, drawing the viewer's eye and giving your piece the professional touch it deserves. It's the subtle detail that elevates your art from simply displayed to truly showcased.
Creating your own custom mat allows you to precisely tailor the presentation to your individual artwork and aesthetic preferences. It opens up a world of possibilities beyond pre-cut mats, letting you choose the perfect color, texture, and dimensions to complement your piece. Mastering this skill gives you the power to save money, enhance the visual impact of your artwork, and create a personalized display that reflects your unique style.
What materials do I need? How do I measure accurately? And what's the best way to cut a clean, professional-looking bevel?
What size should the mat opening be compared to the artwork?
The mat opening should be slightly smaller than the artwork to prevent it from falling through the frame and to provide a clean, professional look. Typically, you want the opening to overlap the artwork by about 1/4 inch on all sides. This overlap is referred to as the "overlap" or "reveal," and it ensures the artwork is securely held in place and that no unfinished edges are visible.
The precise amount of overlap can be adjusted slightly based on personal preference and the nature of the artwork. For example, if you're framing a photograph, a standard 1/4 inch overlap is usually ideal. However, if you're framing a piece with delicate edges or one that you want to show as much of as possible, you might reduce the overlap to 1/8 inch, but be very precise with your cuts to ensure the art stays in place. Consider the artwork's dimensions carefully when calculating the mat opening. Measure the height and width of the artwork accurately. Then, subtract twice the desired overlap from each dimension. For instance, if your artwork is 8x10 inches and you want a 1/4 inch overlap on all sides, you would subtract 1/2 inch (2 x 1/4 inch) from both the height and the width. This gives you a mat opening of 7.5x9.5 inches. Double-check your measurements before cutting the mat to avoid costly mistakes.What's the best type of matboard to use for framing photos?
The best type of matboard for framing photos is **conservation-grade, acid-free, and lignin-free matboard**. This ensures long-term protection and preservation of your photographs by preventing acid migration and discoloration over time.
While standard matboard might seem like a cost-effective option, it contains acids and lignin that can leach into your photographs, causing them to yellow, become brittle, and ultimately degrade. Conservation-grade matboard, on the other hand, is manufactured to be pH-neutral and free of these harmful substances. This inert quality creates a safe environment for your photos, protecting them from chemical reactions that lead to deterioration. Look for matboard specifically labeled as "acid-free" and "lignin-free" to guarantee its archival quality.
Furthermore, consider the core color of the matboard. While the surface paper is important for aesthetics, the core is what comes into direct contact with the beveled edge. Opting for a white or neutral-colored core will prevent any color bleed or staining onto the photo. Buffered matboards are also available; these contain an alkaline reserve to neutralize any future acid formation from external sources. Ultimately, investing in high-quality, conservation-grade matboard is a small price to pay for the long-term preservation of your cherished photographs.
How do I cut a mat at a perfect 45-degree angle?
The key to cutting a perfect 45-degree angle on a mat is using a specialized mat cutter with a 45-degree bevel cutting blade. These tools precisely guide the blade at the correct angle as you follow a measured line on the back of the mat board. A high-quality mat cutter and a sharp blade are crucial for clean, professional results.
Mat cutters come in two main types: hand-held and table-top. Hand-held cutters are more affordable and suitable for occasional use, but require a steady hand and more practice to achieve consistent results. Table-top cutters provide a more stable platform and often include features like adjustable blade depth and built-in measuring systems, making them ideal for frequent mat cutting. Regardless of the type you choose, always use a metal straight edge to guide the cutter, even if the cutter has a built-in guide. This ensures the cut remains true and prevents wobbling.
Before committing to the final cut, practice on scrap mat board to get a feel for the pressure and speed required for a clean bevel. Lightly score the back of the mat board first, then make a second pass to cut through completely. This helps prevent tearing or ragged edges. Change blades frequently, as a dull blade will produce poor results and can even damage your mat cutter. Also, remember to cut slightly *inside* the lines you've measured. This ensures the visible window is the correct size, and the edges line up seamlessly when assembled.
How do I prevent the mat from shifting inside the frame?
The most effective way to prevent a mat from shifting inside a frame is to use framer's tape or acid-free linen tape to adhere the artwork or photograph to the *back* of the mat. This creates a secure bond that keeps the artwork centered and the mat stable within the frame.
To elaborate, this tape acts as a hinge, holding the art in place without damaging it or the matboard. It’s crucial to use acid-free or archival-quality tape, as standard tape can yellow, dry out, and damage your artwork over time. Apply the tape along the top edge of the artwork on the back, adhering it to the back of the mat. This allows the artwork to hang naturally and minimizes stress on the paper. Avoid applying tape to all four sides, as this can cause the artwork to buckle or warp due to humidity changes. Furthermore, ensure the mat is properly sized to fit snugly within the frame. If there's excessive space, the mat is more likely to move around, even with tape. You may consider using small pieces of archival foam core or cardboard as shims behind the matboard to create a tighter fit if necessary. These shims should be placed evenly around the perimeter of the mat on the back. * Use framer's tape to hinge art * Make sure the mat has the correct size * Use shims if requiredWhat are some creative alternatives to traditional matboard?
Beyond standard paper-based matboard, numerous creative alternatives can enhance your framed artwork, offering both aesthetic appeal and unique textures. Consider using fabric, such as linen or burlap, cork, wood veneer, acrylic sheets, or even repurposed materials like old maps or sheet music to create a distinctive mat. These options not only provide visual interest but also allow for customization to perfectly complement the artwork and the surrounding décor.
Expanding on these ideas, fabric mats can add a soft, tactile element to your frame. Linen, with its subtle texture, works beautifully for landscapes or portraits, while burlap offers a more rustic, textured feel that's perfect for displaying vintage photographs or botanical prints. Cork provides a naturally textured surface and can be easily cut and shaped. Furthermore, it offers a slight cushioning effect. Wood veneer adds warmth and sophistication, especially suitable for framing prints or drawings with a natural theme. It is available in various wood types and grains, allowing for a high degree of customization. For a more modern or contemporary look, consider using acrylic sheets. These can be clear, frosted, or even colored to create a striking contrast with the artwork. Repurposed materials offer a sustainable and unique option. Imagine framing a travel photo with a mat made from a vintage map of the destination, or sheet music for a framed concert poster. The possibilities are endless and allow you to inject personal touches and memories into your framing projects. Always ensure that any alternative material is acid-free or treated to prevent damage to the artwork over time.How much border should I leave around the artwork within the mat?
Generally, you'll want to overlap the mat onto the artwork by about 1/4 inch (0.25") on each side. This means the visible area of the artwork will be slightly smaller than its overall dimensions. This overlap secures the artwork behind the mat, prevents it from falling through, and hides any raw or unfinished edges.
To calculate the exact opening size for your mat, subtract 1/2 inch (0.5") from both the height and width of your artwork. For example, if your artwork is 8" x 10", the mat opening should be 7.5" x 9.5". This ensures a 1/4 inch overlap on all sides. This overlap is crucial for a professional-looking finish, as it prevents the art from shifting and provides a clean, contained presentation. However, you can adjust this overlap slightly depending on the specific artwork and your preferences. For delicate or valuable pieces, a slightly larger overlap (perhaps closer to 3/8" or even 1/2" on each side) might be prudent to provide extra security and minimize the risk of damage during handling. Always measure carefully and double-check your calculations before cutting the mat to ensure a precise fit.Can I make a double mat, and how does that process differ?
Yes, you can definitely make a double mat, and the process is very similar to creating a single mat, but with the added step of cutting and assembling two mats together. The main difference lies in carefully calculating the dimensions of the inner mat so that it reveals a specific border of the bottom mat, adding depth and visual interest to your framed artwork.
Creating a double mat involves cutting two separate mats: a bottom mat (the one directly behind the artwork) and a top mat (the one you'll see the most of). The outer dimensions of both mats are the same, matching the inside dimensions of your frame. The key difference is the inner opening, or window, cut into each mat. For the bottom mat, this opening will be slightly larger than the artwork, usually by about 1/4 inch on each side to allow for mounting. The top mat's opening will be smaller, revealing a border of the bottom mat. Determining the size of this border is crucial. Typically, a reveal of 1/4 to 1/2 inch is used. To calculate the top mat's opening, subtract twice the desired reveal from the bottom mat's opening dimensions. The assembly is straightforward once both mats are cut. Simply align the two mats perfectly, ensuring the reveal is even on all sides. You can then use archival-quality tape to hinge the top mat to the back mat along one edge, usually the top. This creates a "sandwich" effect, securing the artwork between the mats. Choosing complementary colors for your top and bottom mats enhances the aesthetic appeal.And there you have it! You've successfully created a custom mat that perfectly complements your framed artwork. We hope you enjoyed this little DIY project. Thanks for following along, and we'd love to see you back here soon for more creative adventures!