How To Frame A Photo With Mat Board

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.

How to frame a photo with mat board. You want to pick a color of mat board that will not detract from the picture but set off the artistry. Carol duvall host of hgtv s the carol duvall show shares her discoveries about matting and framing artwork. Here the image is cut apart each section mounted on 1 4 foam. Framing your picture without matting can damage your artwork or.

Generally darker colors in the framing will help enhance a receding perspective in the composition. Picture frames mat board ruler cutting mat exacto knife pencil tape or hardware for holding the art in the frame. Mat board aka frame mat photo mat matte board is a board that sits between the glass of your frame and your artwork. The dimensions of the window are a matter of preference but usually a 1 2 inch to 1 5 inch thick frame.

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. Do not let the exposed tape touch the mat until you have decided placement. On a double mat the inside border can act to bring out a color in a picture. Then use a ruler and razor or box cutter to cut a picture mat to the same size as the frame backing board.

Ideally you should mat a picture whenever you frame it. It protects your artwork from damages and helps enhance the presentation. The mat gives your picture a finished look by creating a frame within the frame. The best mat board is made of 100 rag.

To prevent damage to the photo or artwork only acid free mat board should be used. 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. Select a mat color that will complement the photo or artwork. 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.

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. Picture matting can become damaged by broken glass or water or can discolor with age. 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. Choose a mat that complements your picture by using a color within the artwork.

Keep reading you don t wanna miss this one. Let s rewind for a sec. When should you mat a picture.