Which means that if “weight” is at the bottom, then three sides of the border would be the same, and the bottom of the mat would be the thickest. There is an option for the mat to be “weighted” at the top, or bottom. Most pre-cut mats will almost undoubtedly have a 2” border on all sides. The same is applied to the length (vertical) edges. Frayed/ worn edges, or imperfections in the paper, etc…, just as long as they are close to the edge it can be hidden. Then a wider mat can be used.ĭo understand why? Looking at the width (horizontal edges), In the example above, youll see that the image itself is 4” with a 2” border on one side, and another 2” border on the other, you have filled the 8” width of the frame. The largest border that you have is a 1” all sides mat unless some of the image can be covered. Here’s why, say you’ve got a 9 x 12 image to be framed, and you have this great frame that has been in the family for years, but the frame size is 11 x 14. The size of the image to be matted, does somewhat dictate the actual frame size or outside dimension. Always keep this in mind when measuring for the window. VERY IMPORTANT: all mats should have at least 1/8 “ overlap in the opening of the window, so that the image will not fall through. Your measurement for the OUTSIDE dimension of your mat will be to the closest INCH. This is to accommodate for the expansion and contraction of the mat, glass and the backing due to heat and humidity. I recommend that a tape measure or metal ruler be used as opposed to a fabric or paper measure.Īs you measure, you might notice that the length and width of the frame is actually 1/8 of an inch larger.
![how to make photo frame mats how to make photo frame mats](https://graceinmyspace.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Mat-Tutorial-Step-3-www.graceinmyspace.com_.jpg)
If you have an existing frame, you will need to measure the opening from the back to ensure the exact OUTSIDE dimension will fit. The actual cutting of the mat is what we want to highlight in this article. so we will leave the topic of choosing colors fro another time. If you are matting a diploma or an article, basic whites will work pretty well, but one could use colored mat board. If you are framing an image or photograph, and you have absolutely no idea as to what color, and or texture or design of mat board to use, a framer will be able to assist you in this choice. I will talk more about this after we cut the mat. Mat board is available in many colors and decorative textures, so the possibilities are many for you. This is more of a personal preference and possibly could depend on the colors that might be in your image.Ĭolored mat board can enhance as well detract from images and photographs I have given a 2” border in the example.Īt this point, you might want to consider a color for the mat board. The Inside dimension of the mat board can be cut to fit any image that you desire.īut a 1.5” – 2” border on all sides is a good starting point. Standard size frames would be: (all measurements are in Inches) The border width on this mat is 2” on all sides. The frame that you would look to fit this would be an 8” x 10”. This is a standard 8” x 10” mat, it will accommodate a 4” x 6” image. The Inside dimension is the “opening” or window is where the image will be. This is the dimension of the “inside” of the frame. If you wish to have a specific size, or a size that is not standard, then it would most likely need to be ordered, which can be done at a picture framing shop.
![how to make photo frame mats how to make photo frame mats](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/GgkAAOSwZVhWR6mU/s-l300.jpg)
Standard size mats are will accommodate a variety of picture frames that you would purchase at a retail store that sells them. Working with standard size mats is probably the easiest way to begin. The first consideration is the size of piece to be matted. You have before you, the pictures, images, articles, etc. There are several factors that one must consider before beginning. Gatorfoam Board White and Black Surface on Black Core.Gatorfoam Board With White Surfaces And Black Core.Grey Matters Watercolor Synthetic Brushes Liner.Grey Matters Watercolor Synthetic Brushes Flat.Grey Matters Watercolor Synthetic Brushes Angeled.Grey Matters Oil Synthetic Brushes Round.Grey Matters Oil Synthetic Brushes Flat.Grey Matters Oil Synthetic Brushes Filbert.Grey Matters Oil Synthetic Brushes Angeled.
![how to make photo frame mats how to make photo frame mats](https://designertrapped.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/diy-picture-mats-10.jpg)
Grey Matters Oil Synthetic Brushes Bright.Grey Matters Acrylic Synthetic Brushes Round.Grey Matters Acrylic Synthetic Brushes Flat.Grey Matters Acrylic Synthetic Brushes Filbert.Grey Matters Acrylic Synthetic Brushes Bright.Grey Matters Acrylic Synthetic Brushes Angled.