How To Mat A Picture Frame

What can I use instead of mat board?

Depending on the thickness of the frame, foamcore board can be substituted for mat board. Foamcore typically has a colored top ply, an inner white foam ply, and a white back, but some foamcore is colored all the way through. These boards come in large sheets and can be adapted to large projects.

Why are mat boards so expensive?

Simply put, the larger it gets, the more materials are used and of course, the price goes up. As size increases, larger and larger pieces of glass are needed and because of fragility, our actual costs per square inch go up as well. Mat boards come in basically two different sizes 32″ x 40″ and 40″ x 60″.

What is mat board made of?

Museum mat boards are made of 100% cotton. Cotton, unlike wood, contains no lignin at all. Combined with archival framing methods, your artwork will be preserved for hundreds of years. This is the option museums and collectors choose when framing photographs and artwork and is the most expensive option.

Can you paint picture frame mats?

Painting frame mats is a really easy and inexpensive way to add some color to your wall, without overdoing it. I popped out the mats, laid them out on a paper bag, and used a large soft bristle brush to paint on two coats, letting each coat dry in-between.

How do you professionally frame a picture?

How to Frame Pictures Like a Pro Select Photo or Artwork. Photo, frame, and mat. Purchase Mat and Frame. When looking for a mat and frame, try arts and crafts stores like Michaels, A.C. Size Mat and Frame. Choosing a Mat. Selecting a Frame. Mounting Tape. Attach Tape to Picture. Attach Tape to Backboard.

Is mat board the same as mounting board?

Much like mat board, mount board serves to protect a framed photograph or piece of artwork by providing a rigid, sturdy backing to keep photographs and artwork from moving or warping in the frame. The location of mount board is basically the opposite of mat board.

What is acid free mat board?

Matboard Acidity Paper mat that is made of wood-pulp is often called acid free as the acid is buffered out through a chemical process. These are the Conservation brand of matboards that are sold by most high-end frame shops.

Why does it cost so much to frame a picture?

Any cost increases from the manufacturer become magnified when passed through the lens of the wholesaler. The cost to the frame shop is therefore high, and since the frame shop has to make a profit too, the cost to the consumer is even higher.

How thick should mat board be?

Selecting Mat Board Thickness and Ply In general, 4-ply (1/16-inch thick) and 8-ply (1/8-inch thick) are the most common, but 6-ply is also available. Thicker mat boards provide a sturdier surface, preventing it from warping and damaging the artwork, and more depth for greater visual appeal.

Is a mat necessary for framing?

Mats help keep your artwork safe by separating the glass from the art or whatever it is being framed. Having a mat in between your artwork and framing glass is important because any condensation that might develop on the inside of the glass can be transferred to your art causing water damage, mold or mildew.

Can you take mats out of frames?

Mats can be cut using computerized mat cutters.

What is frame matting?

In the picture framing industry, a mat (or mount in British English) is a thin, flat piece of paper-based material included within a picture frame, which serves as additional decoration and to perform several other, more practical functions, such as separating the art from the glass.

How much matting should a picture have?

As a general rule, your mat should always be 1.5 times as wide as your frame, or wider. If the mat is smaller than the frame, you run the risk of the artwork appearing stuffed into the frame.

How do I choose a picture matting?

The width of your mat greatly impacts how your art is presented. A good rule of thumb is to choose a mat that is at least 1 inch wider than your moulding. Most mats are 2-4 inches wide; generally, larger artwork can support a wider mat, and smaller artwork would be paired with a narrower mat.

Can you use watercolor on mat board?

Paint the front of a mat board frame with watercolor, gouache or acrylic paint. If you want to use watercolor, gouache or acrylic paint for your painting, there is no need to prepare the surface with gesso. Paint your mat board using the same techniques you would use on any other canvas.

Can you change the color of a picture mat?

You might want to start slow, but changing up the colors of your photo mats can be done and re-done in a few different ways: Get new ones cut from colored mat board at a framing store. Paint or cover the mats already in your frames.

What’s the difference between a top mat and a bottom mat?

The window opening of the bottom mat surrounds the image. The top mat has a larger window, which allows a small border of the bottom mat, called the reveal, to be shown. The width of the reveal varies; however, it generally averages between 1/8” and 1/2″ and most often it’s a different color.

What is an accent mat frame?

It’s a pretty simple technique, done by layering one mat on top of another so that the bottom mat acts as a decorative border around your framed artwork. It’s an easy, affordable and a more unique way to add a little something extra to the finished product.

What is double mat frame?

Note: A double mat is defined as two mats one on top of the other (2 layers) where the bottom mat color is only exposed or “revealed” minimally to enhance the artwork. Apr 8, 2019.

How do I choose a mat and frame?

Here are some things to consider while choosing the right kind of mat for your picture: Step 1: Determine The Size Of Your Picture. Step 2: Select A Mat Board For The Picture. Step 3: Pick The Right Thickness For Your Picture Frame. Step 4: Measure The Size Of Your Picture Plus The Matting. Step 5: Choose The Right Effect.

What is a mat cutter used for?

A mat cutter is a tool specifically designed for cutting the cardboard mat, or matting, used to mount art pieces. For artists, a mat cutter is a vital tool in the studio, allowing them to mount and frame work much more cheaply than a professional framing company.