How To Professionally Cut A Window Mat

Beveled cuts are angled from the window mat s face to the back usually at a 45 degree angle.

How to professionally cut a window mat.

Using the edges of the show mat to start your measurements measure and draw cut lines on the back of the accent mat for a window of 7 1 2 x 9 1 2. Professional mat cutting tools make beveled cuts easier. Although slightly more difficult we recommend making bevel cut mats whenever possible. Archival methods creates professional custom cut mats.

Put the board that will have the window cut into it onto your cutting surface or in your mat cutter and put the drafting tissue or tracing paper over it. A few strips of paper the same as your print was made on and some archival paste or archival glue. Cut the window out of the accent mat and flip the mats over. Keep the mouse in the house.

Measure the reveal area you want around. Typically if you cut 2 3 of your own mats your tools will pay for themselves. A safe surface to cut on such as a self healing cutting mat. When i learned to cut window mats like this nearly 20 years ago a single phrase was repeated over and over.

Check for clean corners then admire your work. Most mats are cut with narrower margins along the top and sides than the margin of space along the bottom. Before you begin cut your mat board to the size of your frame. Cut the second mat board to the exact specifications of the first.

If you ve selected a mat of a fanciful color or design it should be the one you use for the window mat as it will be front and center in the frame and complement the aesthetic of the picture. Window matting with pre cut window mats makes this process very easy to learn. To make a beveled cut use a mat cutter with the blade angled down and away from the center of the mat. For example you might want to make a mat for a medium sized print with a 3 inch border along the top and sides of the window and 4 inch border along the bottom.

You can mat all sorts of prints including photos artwork and other kinds of images to prepare them for a frame. The logan mat cutter i use runs about 50 for the guide and cutting handle. Use an x acto knife and a metal ruler to cut through the mat board. You now have a perfectly cut double mat that won t shift or move out of alignment.

If the mat cutter. You ll be using this mat as the window frame for the front of the picture.