- Making the Most of a 32 x 40 Sheet
- Trimming Mat Board to Size
- Trimming Mat Board to Size with Straight Edge
- Trimming Mat Board to Size with Compact
- Trimming Mat Board to Size with Simplex
- Mat Cutting
- Cutting Single Mat Using a Straight Edge
- Cutting a Single Mat With a Simplex-Basics
- Cutting a single mat with a simplex-detailed
- Cutting a double mat
- Cutting a double mat- detailed professional version
- The professional framers secret for cutting a double mat
- How to measure and cut a double mat,
- Cutting a stepped corner mat – basics
- Cutting stepped corner mats – detailed
- Offset (stepped) corner mat
- Slip sheets
- The importance of using a slip sheet when cutting
- The importance of using a backing sheet
- Why am I getting a ragged cut?
- How to avoid rough or ragged edges when cutting mats
- Dealing with inconsistencies in the bevel edges
- Adjusting your mat cutter for proper blade depth
- The importance of proper blade depth
- Why am I getting a hook in the corners or curve in the bevel cut?
- How come I don't cut all the way through the mat board?
- How to conquer overcuts and undercuts?
- Dealing with overcuts and undercuts
- Why am I getting overcuts in the corners?
- Why are my mats not coming out square?
- Why is my bevel cut going the wrong way?
- How to cut left handed
- How to cut a 40" sheet of mat board on the 32" compact mat cutter
- Is using production stops the fool proof way to get perfect mats?
- Tips for working with production stops on your mat cutter
- Basic mat cutter maintenance
- Mounting your artwork
- Grappling with conservation and archival mounting concerns
- Supporting Artwork
- Hinge mounting T, V and S methods
- A simple method to a T-hinge mount
- Trapping methods
- Permanent mounting
- Wet mounting
- Pressure sensitive adhesive mounting
- How to mount artwork using positionable mounting adhesive (PMA)
- Spray adhesives
The spacer mat is basically a double mat with spacer material hidden between the two boards (or under the boards.)
The shadow created by the spacer is an attractive design feature. The depth of a spacer mat makes it perfect for objects, or art that has dimension—because it allows space between the artwork and the glazing in a frame.
Make sure the moulding being used can accommodate the material.
The spacer may be placed beneath the mats (as shown in the picture at right) or between the mats (as described in the instructions below.)
1. Trim two pieces of matboard to 11" x 14"—one piece for the top mat, the other for the liner mat. The boards may be two different colors, or use just one color—spacer mats can look great in one color.
2. Cut a 2." border on all four sides of the top mat.
3. Cut a 3" border on all four sides of the liner mat.
4. Cut strips of matboard or foam center board for the spacer: cut two strips 2" x 14", and two strips 2" x 7". If using foam center board, one layer will probably be enough. If using matboard, cut another set of strips—or two more sets, to create more depth.
