Home >> Hobbies >> Photography

How to Mat a Photo Correctly

A photograph without a frame can look like it's incomplete or missing a last finishing step. Sometimes people don't add a frame because of the extra cost; framing can be expensive. Or sometimes placing an oddly sized or shaped photograph can be difficult and look sloppy. Matting a photograph before framing it is inexpensive and can add a refined finishing touch to any photograph.

Things You'll Need

Two archival-quality boards
Bevel-cutter
Nonslip ruler

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the inside of the picture frame intended for the picture. Mark the frame dimensions onto the mat using a pencil.
- 2
  Place the mat on the cutting board and, using the ruler to keep the bevel-cutter straight, cut the mat. Check to make sure the mat fits inside the frame.
- 3
  Measure to find, and then mark, the exact center of the mat.
- 4
  Measure the window for the photograph and then mark that dimension on the mat, using the center marking as a reference point.
- 5
  Cut out the window in the mat using the ruler and bevel cutter.
- 6
  Once the window has been cut to the proper size, place the mat into the frame, followed by the photograph. Then close the back of the frame.

Photography