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Logan's Complete Guide to Picture Framing
Trimming Matboard to Size with Straight Edge
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

USING A HAND-HELD CUTTER

Trimming matboards to size manually requires a straightedge or T-square, a hand-held cutter, and a sturdy, flat worktable.

Lay the matboard face down on the table.  Measure and mark the sizes required on the back of the matboard using a pencil and an accurate rule.

To trim the board to size:

1. Lay a scrap of matboard on the table surface and set the measured matboard face down on top of the scrap board.

2. Set the T-square in place on one of the penciled lines.

3. Set the cutting head on the edge of the rule, insert the blade into the board, and pull the cutter.  Be careful as the cutter comes close to the edge of the table.

If a board is very thick, a couple of passes may be taken on the same cut to get all the way through; it is not necessary to cut through a board in one swipe.

4. Check the board for squareness.  Trim if necessary.  Making a perfect mat begins with a perfect board.

Use the straight cutter to trim matboards.

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