Mastering the Art of Matting

Matting is not just about protection; it's a canvas for creativity. Explore a spectrum of hues, textures, and sizes to tailor the perfect frame for your artwork. Embrace the journey of mastering the art of matting at your own pace—it's a skill worth honing.

Set the Scene: Prep your workspace meticulously. A pristine environment ensures the integrity of your materials. Let your creativity flow unhindered as you embark on this matting adventure. Remember, cleanliness is key to precision.

• Avoid harsh chemicals that may compromise your workspace or materials.

Calculate the Mat and Artwork Dimensions: Prepare for some mathematical prowess! Determine your desired mat border width and measure your artwork's dimensions. This will guide you in cutting out the window and border for your mat board. Combine these measurements for the total board size.

• To ensure a clean finish, consider subtracting ¼ inch (0.64 cm) from each side if you're not displaying any border or edges around the artwork.
• Harmonize your mat board dimensions with the backing for a seamless fit.

Mark the Boundaries: Standard-sized boards may need customization to suit your artwork. Utilize a tape measure to mark two light pencil lines in each corner, aligning with your measurements.

Frame the Future: If framing your matted art, accuracy in measuring your backing and mat boards is paramount. Verify your measurements against the frame's back to ensure compatibility. Adjust border size if needed, but consider finalizing your frame choice post-matting for flexibility.

• Delaying frame selection until after matting grants more freedom in adjusting mat board border size.

Trace with Precision: Remove your artwork and trace your measurements using a ruler and pencil. Connect the marked points to form rectangles or squares on the mat board and backing.

Execute the Cut: Employ a straight-edge razor to precisely cut the backing and mat boards. Apply consistent pressure from top to bottom, ensuring a steady cut along the marked lines. Maintaining straight lines is crucial; utilize aids like old frames or heavy books for assistance.

• Consistency and precision in cutting are paramount. Any deviation from the marked lines may necessitate starting over.

Double-Cut for Easy Removal: Make precise cuts to ensure the mat pops out effortlessly from the window. Avoid applying excessive force to prevent damage. Perform the cuts twice along the exact lines for a seamless removal process.

• Precision is key; multiple cuts may be necessary for clean removal. Take your time and ensure each cut aligns with the others.

Find the Perfect Center: Achieve symmetry by centering your artwork on the backing. Measure equal spaces on all sides and mark the corners accordingly. Precision is crucial for achieving the desired alignment.

Validate Centering with the Window: Before proceeding, confirm the alignment by placing the window atop the artwork. This preview allows you to envision the final matted piece. Take a moment to appreciate the harmony before continuing.

Secure with Stability: Once centered, affix all components together. Utilize a weighted object such as a sock filled with coins or a heavy glass to maintain position. Minor shifts are manageable with marked reference points for centering.

Hinge Your Artwork: Secure your art to the backing using linen or archival tape. Apply two vertical pieces of tape on each side of the artwork, followed by two horizontal pieces. This method, known as hinging, ensures your artwork remains intact without damaging it or the mat board.

• Linen or archival tape preserves your artwork without the risk of chemical damage posed by regular household tape.

Opt for Photo Corners or Mounting Strips: Choose between photo corners or see-through mounting strips for attaching your artwork. Apply four photo corners at each corner of the backing or use eight mounting strips, two on each side. These options offer conservation benefits, safeguarding your artwork from potential damage.

Create a Taped Hinge for the Window Mat: Align the window and backing, face down, and connect them using a single strip of linen tape. Position the tape so that it adheres to both the window and backing, then fold them together. This creates a secure hinge for your window mat.

• For a polished finish, consider framing your matted print or attaching an adhesive picture hanger to the backing for wall display.

Invest in Dry Mounting Equipment: Dry mounting offers a permanent and stable mount for your artwork. Equip yourself with a tacking iron, dry mounting and release tissues, and a professional heating press for optimal results.

• If you frequently mount artwork, investing in dry mounting equipment can be a worthwhile long-term investment.
• Be prepared for the initial investment, as dry mounting equipment can be costly. However, it's not suitable for preserving older artwork due to its irreversible nature.

Calculate the Backing Size: Engage in some mathematical wizardry! Determine the desired border size for your window and measure your artwork. Combine these measurements to ascertain the required size for the backing board. Mark the corners with pencil to note your measurements.

Prepare for Dry Mounting: Create a pristine workspace for this step. Position your artwork face down and lay a sheet of dry mounting tissue over it, ensuring complete coverage. Trim excess tissue later.

Secure with Heat: Utilize a heated tacking iron to affix the center of the print to the dry mounting tissue. After heating the iron, place it over the artwork and tissue, applying gentle pressure in a circular motion to ensure adherence.

Trim Excess Tissue: Carefully remove excess dry mounting tissue using scissors or a paper trimmer. Exercise caution to achieve clean, straight cuts without risking damage to the artwork.

• A large paper trimmer facilitates easier and neater trimming of the tissue.

Ensure Centered Placement: Position your artwork face up on its backing and use a tape measure to verify its alignment. Maintain equal spacing on all sides and mark the placement with pencil on the backing.

Secure Corners with the Tacking Iron: Lift two corners of your piece and use the heated tacking iron to bond the dry mounting tissue to the backing. Ensure the tissue lays flat and pull the tacking iron from the center outward to adhere two opposing corners.

Apply Heat in the Press: Place your print in a heated press for 1-2 minutes. Insert the piece between leftover mat board and release paper within the press, ensuring it's heated to approximately 180℉ (82.22℃). Use a stopwatch to time the process.

• For photographs, resin-based paper requires heating for 60-90 seconds, while fiber-based papers necessitate 2-4 minutes. Fiber-based paper is commonly used for high-quality prints.

Weigh Down for Cooling: Prevent warping or bubbling by placing a heavy weight on the mounted print during the cooling phase. Once removed from the press, let it cool facedown under the weight until fully cooled. Test readiness by gently lifting a corner and touching the backing.

• A large coffee-table book or weighted socks can serve as makeshift flattening weights if needed.
• Ensure your workspace remains clean before cooling the artwork facedown.

Opt for Archival Quality Materials: Choose archival backing and mat boards for original artwork. These acid-free materials preserve artwork without causing damage, akin to those used by museums. While slightly more expensive, they offer unparalleled quality and preservation for valuable prints or original pieces.

Opt for Standard Materials for Less Valuable Art: For inexpensive prints, standard backing and mat boards suffice. While they may cause damage over time, the impact is gradual. For cherished pieces, even if modestly priced, prioritize archival-quality materials.

Enhance Small Artwork with Wide Mat Borders: Emphasize smaller pieces by framing them with wide-bordered mats. This creates a dramatic effect, directing focus to the artwork's center.

• The width of the border should be at least 25% of the shortest edge. For example, if the piece measures 8 in. by 12 in. (20.32 cm by 30.48 cm), aim for a minimum border width of 2 inches (5.08 cm). Consider adding an extra inch or two for added impact.

Opt for Thin Borders for Large Artwork: Allow grand pieces to speak for themselves by framing them with narrow-bordered mats. This ensures attention remains on the artwork, particularly for intricate or sizable pieces.

• Maintain the border width at a minimum of 25% of the shortest edge for a sleek appearance.

Embrace the Simplicity of White Matting: White matting accentuates artwork without distraction, offering a clean and unobtrusive aesthetic. Perfect for original pieces, white matting directs observers' focus solely to the artwork itself.

Opt for Soft Neutrals for Subtle Enhancement: Add subtle character to your matting with neutral tones like gray, beige, or off-white. These colors provide diversity to your mat boards without overshadowing the artwork.

Harmonize Colors with the Artwork: Carefully select colors that complement rather than compete with the artwork. Opt for hues already present in the piece to enhance its essence.

• Avoid using colors that clash with the artwork's predominant tones. For instance, refrain from pairing orange artwork with a blue mat board.
• If adding color, opt for bright hues in a secondary, thinner layer of a double mat.

Elevate Photographs with White Mats: Enhance the presentation of photographs by framing them in 3-inch white mats for a polished appearance. This crisp border adds a professional touch to your displayed photos.