How To Mat And Frame A Photo

Here the image is cut apart each section mounted on 1 4 foam.

How to mat and frame a photo.

An expert guide to matting and framing a photo. A well cut mat can make a huge difference in how a picture looks taking it from a simple snapshot to a framed piece of art. As photographers in the digital age we spend far too much time staring. You can choose mats in a variety of colors sizes and materials to create the perfect mat board frame for your pieces.

Mat board or foam board 3 16ths. In most cases you can simply upload a photo from your phone or computer to a print and frame service choose some options and you re good to go. Mat color should coordinate with photo single or double mat. Framing tape called hinging tape.

Stickers with logo for back of mat board if. The final printed image is the culmination of my journey in creating a piece of artwork that represents my view of the world around me. But if you re looking to do something a bit more unique like maybe some offset digital matting or a photo collage you might need to work some image magic before uploading your file. Beginning with a turquoise mat add 1 2 foam board on top and end with the addition of a white mat on top of the foam board.

Turn the page picture side up and hold the pre cut mat over the page to decide where you want the image in the opening. Secure mat and picture. Off the shelf pre cut picture frames usually have mat boards with openings that are half an inch smaller than the intended picture size. Mats cut to fit an 11 14 frame will usually accommodate an 8 10 photo which leaves you with significant distance between the photograph and the frame.

Clear sleeve preferably with a flap if selling. It ll be worth it though as it ll save you from cringing over the high costs of taking your art to be matted at frame shops. Do not let the exposed tape touch the mat until you have decided placement. For example a 16x20 inch frame including a mat purchased for use with 11x14 prints or photographs will have an actual window opening somewhere in the neighborhood of 10 1 2 x 13 1 2 inches.

This can cause the photograph and mat to visually run together. Learning how to mat artwork on your own will take some time and practice. Heavy object such as a glass or picture weight. Double sided sticky tape for framing.

Carol duvall host of hgtv s the carol duvall show shares her discoveries about matting and framing artwork.