How to Calculate Border Size

Guide Navigation

Introduction to Picture Framing & Matting

Designing Your Picture Frames and Mats

Color Selection

Matboard Types

Frame Types

Mat styles

Glass types

Measuring and Sizing Picture Frames and Mats

Mats

Frames

Costs of Picture Framing

DIY Picture Frames

Mat Cutting

Cutting mat board sheet to size

Cutting a single rectangle mat

Cutting a Double rectangle mat

Cutting a stepped corner rectangular mat

Cutting an Inlay Mat

Cutting an inlay mat

Cutting a V groove mat

Adding decorative ink lines to rectangular mats

Adding decorative ink lines to your mats

Cutting multiple opening mats

Cutting oval and circle mats

Mat Cutter Choices

Mat Cutting Help, Troubleshooting and FAQs

Mounting Your Artwork

Methods of Mounting

Mounting different types of Artwork

Glazing with Glass and Plastic

Securing or Fitting your Artwork in a Picture Frame

Finishing Your Artwork

Matboards are manufactured especially for picture framing. They are available in many colors, and some have printed surfaces that are flecked or marbled. Most matboards are available in 32" x 40" sheets. Some of the more popular colors are available in 40" x 60" and a few boards, such as rag matboard, are made as large as 4' x 8'. Check with suppliers for availability.

STANDARD OR REGULAR MATBOARD: Matboards are manufactured especially for picture framing. They are available in many colors, and some have printed surfaces that are flecked or marbled. Most matboards are available in 32" x 40" sheets. Some of the more popular colors are available in 40" x 60" and a few boards, such as rag matboard, are made as large as 4' x 8'. Check with suppliers for availability.

CONSERVATION MATBOARD: These boards have either a cotton or purified wood pulp (alpha cellulose) core, plus buffered, acid-free surface and backing papers. These boards generally remain in excellent condition for many years. Available in a wide variety of colors.

RAG MATBOARD: This is museum grade matboard, considered the highest quality board. It is made from cotton pulp compressed into a solid sheet. Formerly only white or off white, now available in a number of colors.

UNSUITABLE BOARDS

POSTER BOARD: This is an acidic craft board, meant for short-term use. Moisture-sensitive, it also fades rather quickly.

CARDBOARD, CONSTRUCTION PAPER, ETC.: These and similar types of craft materials have high acidity and uneven density that makes them unsuitable for matting.