How To Mat A Picture Yourself

Create something that s visually alluring by matching the color of the mat to a color in the background of the photo.

How to mat a picture yourself.

Due to the small size of the photo it s harder to use a weight but generally it s pretty easy to line up the photo due to the small size and get the mat on securely. Choose a colored mat to complement the picture you want to frame. Attach mat to artwork. To measure the size of the inside of the mat which will frame your art photo get the piece you are framing and place it on top of the mat.

You can score the mat and cut again if that s easier for you sometimes the mat boards are thick. This short tutorial demonstrates one of the methods i use to mat my photos. Then instead of cutting any additional hole for the art piece to sit behind i just use double sided tape to stick down my art piece right onto the bristol board itself centered obviously. Stick the tape to a piece of fabric before applying it to the mat.

Lay your mat on top of the image and center it. The window in the show mat should be cut to the actual size of the picture 8 x 10. Do not let the exposed tape touch the mat until you have decided placement. Shave a 1 2 off of both the width and the height from that measurement to get the size of the window in the accent mat 7 1 2 x 9 1 2 when the two windows are cut and lined up perfectly you will see exactly 1 4 of the accent mat on all 4 sides of the picture.

Beginning with a turquoise mat add 1 2 foam board on top and end with the addition of a white mat on top of the foam board. Cut the mat size using your exacto knife. Turn the page picture side up and hold the pre cut mat over the page to decide where you want the image in the opening. Instead match it to the photo itself.

Use either sticky back tape if there is enough room around the photo or use more sticky back adhesive squares applied around the photo and then press the mat into place over the top. Avoid picking a mat color based on the room where the picture will be hung. Apply two pieces of hinging tissue or acid free tape to the photograph and mat from the bottom as shown in photographs. Take the frame apart and use it s existing mat as a tracing guide.

You can then remove the strips of tape from the front and the mats will be secured around the picture. Here the image is cut apart each section mounted on 1 4 foam board and individual mats cut around each section.