How To Frame A Photo With Mat Board

The mat gives your picture a finished look by creating a frame within the frame.

How to frame a photo with mat board.

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. Then use a ruler and razor or box cutter to cut a picture mat to the same size as the frame backing board. Prepare the mat board and the mount board by measuring them to fit in the picture frame and make careful cuts in the mat board to create the border for the picture. You want to pick a color of mat board that will not detract from the picture but set off the artistry.

When should you mat a picture. Carol duvall host of hgtv s the carol duvall show shares her discoveries about matting and framing artwork. To prevent damage to the photo or artwork only acid free mat board should be used. Let s rewind for a sec.

Of course you also need art or photos you ll put in the frame and the tape is for taping the art inside the frame if you don t have another way to hold it in. Do not let the exposed tape touch the mat until you have decided placement. A well cut mat can make a huge difference in how a picture looks taking it from a simple snapshot to a framed piece of art. Choose a mat that complements your picture by using a color within the artwork.

Picture matting can become damaged by broken glass or water or can discolor with age. Generally darker colors in the framing will help enhance a receding perspective in the composition. Secure mat and picture. Here the image is cut apart each section mounted on 1 4 foam.

On a double mat the inside border can act to bring out a color in a picture. Keep reading you don t wanna miss this one. If an image has a strong element that is receding such as the river sweeping off into the distance in sisley s road to hampton court a darker mat perhaps one that ties into the dark green of the trees along the bank in the background. Framing your picture without matting can damage your artwork or.

Next cut a second picture mat to the same size but this time cut a window out from the inside of the mat to frame your picture. The best mat board is made of 100 rag. The dimensions of the window are a matter of preference but usually a 1 2 inch to 1 5 inch thick frame. Select a mat color that will complement the photo or artwork.

Picture frames mat board ruler cutting mat exacto knife pencil tape or hardware for holding the art in the frame. It protects your artwork from damages and helps enhance the presentation. Mat board aka frame mat photo mat matte board is a board that sits between the glass of your frame and your artwork.