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Logan's Complete Guide to Picture Framing
Cutting a Stepped Corner Mat--Basics
Guide Navigation
Introduction to Picture Framing & Matting
Designing Your Picture Frames and Mats
Measuring and Sizing Picture Frames and Mats
Costs of Picture Framing
DIY Picture Frames
Mat Cutting
Mat Cutter Choices
Mat Cutting Help, Troubleshooting and FAQs
Mounting Your Artwork
Glazing with Glass and Plastic
Securing or Fitting your Artwork in a Picture Frame
Finishing Your Artwork

CUTTING AN OFFSET MAT

An offset mat creates a notch in each corner of the mat opening. The notch is created by working with two different cutting lines. The size of the notch is determined by the distance between the two cutting lines.

The example shown here makes a 1/4" notch in each corner. The directions may seem a bit confusing at first, but follow the steps and the logic will soon become clear.

1. Trim a matboard to 11" x 14".

2. Measure and mark the back of the mat (as shown). There will be two sets of lines: one set is 3" from the edge of the board, the second set is 3 ." from the edge.

3. Set the mat guide at 3". Insert the board face down and cut the two long sides, being careful to start and stop at the 3 ." top and bottom measurements.

4. Cut the two short sides, stopping at the 3 ." mark. The center will not drop out.

5. Reset the guide at 3 .". Insert the matboard face down and cut four more sides, connecting the cuts to form the angle corner

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