A simple method to t-hinge mount artwork into a mat

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

Example:

Mounting artwork into a pre-cut mat

Supplies needed:

Pre-cut mat with opening cut for artwork to be mounted

Framers acid-free mounting tape

Step 1.

Create a clean work area. Remove any dirt and dust from the area and its recommended to wear light cotton gloves when handling the artwork so as not smudge or smear anything from your fingers.

Step 2.

Insure that the opening cut on the mat lines up properly with the artwork. Do that by laying the artwork flat on your work table and placing the mat over it to see that the borders are cut to size properly.

Step 3.

Cut off four pieces of framers acid free mounting tape at roughly 1 1/2" in length each but do not remove the backing.

Step 4.

Place art work face down on your work table. At the top of the art work on the back side, apply two tape strips adhesive side down along the top edge of the artwork as shown.

Step 5.

Apply the other two tape strips adhesive side down crossing the first two pieces as shown into the shape of upside down T's.

Step 6.

Gently flip the artwork over being careful of the exposed adhesive tape. Looking straight down onto the artwork, slowly lower the pre-cut mat down aligned with the opening and allow the tape to gently attach to the back of the pre-cut mat. Allowing only gentle contact with the tape at first allows you to sperate and reposition the mat if necessary.

Step 7.

Once the mat has been properly aligned onto the artwork, gently flip the mat over and with your fingers, press and smooth out the tape pieces so they can properly adhere. Any excess tape hanging over the top edge of the mat can be trimmed away with a hobby knife. Your artwork is now properly t-hinge mounted and ready for framing.

TIP: Only apply tape to the top edge of the artwork so that it "hinges" into the opening of the mat. This allows the artwork to expand and contract or "breathe" as necessary with various temperatures and prevent wrinkling in the frame. Use only a quality acidfree framers tape that will not dry out and release out nor burn the artwork over time.