How to Cut a Picture Mat

How to Cut a Picture Mat: Enhance Your Framed Artwork Affordably

How to Cut a Picture Mat is an essential skill for anyone looking to elevate the presentation of photographs or artwork without breaking the bank. A well-cut mat not only enhances the visual appeal of a framed picture but also adds spatial depth, drawing attention to the image. While professional mat cutting and framing services can be expensive—sometimes costing more than the picture itself—you can achieve the same polished look by learning how to cut a picture mat on your own. With just a few basic materials and a steady hand, you can create custom mats that perfectly complement your artwork at a fraction of the cost. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a professional artist, mastering how to cut a picture mat gives you full creative control over your framing projects.

Part1 Gathering Your Materials

Step 1: Prepare Your Picture for Framing

Before you begin, have the picture you want to frame ready. Take a moment to evaluate its size and determine the ideal mat and frame dimensions. Your finished project will consist of the picture placed between two uniformly sized mat boards—one as a backing and the other as a front mat with a cut-out window to showcase the image.

To get started, you’ll need at least two pieces of mat board:

Backing Mat – Supports and secures the picture.
Front Mat (Window Frame) – Features a central cut-out that frames the picture.

For larger pieces, such as artwork intended for exhibitions, you’ll need bigger mats. The mat’s dimensions should also reflect how much border space you want visible around the picture, allowing for a balanced and professional presentation.

Step 2: Choose the Right Mat Style

Selecting the perfect mat is key to enhancing your framed picture. Mats come in various colors, designs, and thicknesses, allowing you to customize the look to suit your artwork or photograph.

Consider Mat Color and Layering

Decide whether you want a single mat for a clean, minimalist look or multiple layered mats for added depth and dimension.
Choose colors and textures that complement the picture. Contrasting or subtly blended mat layers can create a striking effect.
Determine if the mat will act as a border around the picture or serve as a standalone frame within the larger frame.

Understanding Mat Thickness

Mat boards vary in thickness, which affects the “white line” (the beveled cut edge) visible around the picture.
Thicker mats create a deeper white line, adding depth to the frame. These often look best in neutral colors like white to conceal the inner cut edges.

Standard vs. Archival Mat Boards

Standard mat board is suitable for general photographs and prints that do not require museum-quality preservation.
Archival mat board is acid-free and designed for long-term protection, making it the best choice for original artwork, valuable prints, or professional exhibitions.
If framing original artwork created with artist-grade materials, opt for archival-quality mats to prevent deterioration over time.

Choosing the right mat style ensures that your framed piece not only looks professional but is also properly preserved for years to come.

Step 3: Select the Right Cutting Tool

To achieve clean, professional cuts, you’ll need a sharp blade that can slice through mat board with precision. The right tool will help you create straight, smooth edges for a polished final look.

Cutting Tool Options

Razor Blade or Box Cutter – An affordable and readily available option, though it requires a steady hand for straight cuts.
X-Acto Knife – A fine-detail cutting tool with a sharp, replaceable blade, ideal for controlled precision.
Specialty Mat Cutter – A sliding tool designed specifically for mat cutting, offering smoother, more accurate cuts but at a higher cost and a steeper learning curve.

Safety Precautions

Always handle sharp tools with care to avoid injury.
Use a cutting mat or a sturdy work surface to protect your workspace.
Keep fingers clear of the blade’s path and make slow, controlled cuts.

Using a Mat Cutting Kit

For an all-in-one solution, mat cutting kits are available at most art supply stores. These kits include measurement guides, alignment tools, and specialty cutters, making it easier to create precise cuts. However, they tend to be more expensive than standalone cutting tools.

Selecting the right cutting tool depends on your budget, skill level, and desired level of precision.

Step 4: Get a Ruler or T-Square

Accurate measurements and straight cuts are essential for a well-framed picture, making a ruler or T-square a must-have tool. These will help you measure the mat to fit the picture and frame while ensuring all edges are cut evenly.

Choosing the Right Measuring Tool

Standard Ruler – Works well for measuring and guiding straight cuts.
T-Square – Provides the added advantage of ensuring precise right angles and maintaining consistent mat borders.

Why a Heavy Metal Ruler?

A metal ruler adds weight, helping to keep the mat board steady while cutting.
Unlike plastic rulers, metal rulers are durable and won’t be easily damaged by sharp cutting tools.
A non-slip backing or grip can further improve stability, reducing the risk of uneven cuts.

Using a quality ruler or T-square ensures your mat is measured and cut with precision, resulting in a clean, professional-looking frame.

Part2 Measuring to Fit the Mat

Step 5: Measure the Picture

Before cutting your mat, use a ruler or T-square to measure the height and width of the picture. Both the backing mat and the window mat should match these dimensions exactly. However, the inner cut-out of the window mat should be at least ½ inch smaller on each side to help hold the picture securely in place.

Deciding on the Window Mat Width

If you want to highlight only a specific part of the picture, opt for a wider mat border to cover non-focal areas.
A well-proportioned mat helps center the picture and enhances the overall presentation.

Once you’ve taken precise measurements, write them down and set them aside for reference when cutting your mats.

Step 6: Measure the Frame

If you already have a frame, carefully measure its inner dimensions to ensure a precise fit for the mat and picture.

How to Measure the Frame

Remove the glass or plastic cover from the front.
Take out the backing board, as this will serve as your reference for cutting the mat.
Measure the inner width and height of the frame where the mat and picture will sit.
Write down the measurements, clearly labeling each dimension.

Why Take Your Own Measurements?

Many store-bought frames list their dimensions, but it’s best to double-check with your own measurements to avoid sizing mistakes. Even a small discrepancy can affect the final fit, so measuring carefully ensures a perfectly sized mat for your frame.

Step 7: Choose the Window Mat Size

With the picture’s dimensions in mind, determine the ideal size for the window mat opening. The window mat serves as a decorative border around the picture, slightly overlapping it to hold it in place.

How to Determine the Right Size

The mat should overlap the picture slightly to prevent it from shifting inside the frame.
A ½-inch overlap on each side is standard for securing the picture without hiding too much of it.
For most small-to-medium-sized pictures, a window mat width between 0.5″ and 1.5″ creates a well-balanced frame.

Marking the Cut Lines

Flip the second mat board (the front mat) to the back side.
Use a ruler to carefully trace the measurements for the window opening where the picture will be displayed.
Double-check your measurements to ensure the picture will be centered and properly framed.

By selecting the right window mat size, you can enhance the artwork’s focus while maintaining a clean and professional look.

Part3 Cutting the Mats

Step 8: Mark the First Mat for Cutting

Using the frame backing board dimensions you measured earlier, mark the first mat to ensure accurate cutting.

How to Mark the Cutting Lines

Flip the mat board to the back side to prevent visible marks on the finished surface.
Use a ruler or T-square to align along the first edge of the mat.
Mark small pencil notches every few inches along the cutting edge to create a dotted guideline for precision.

Why Mark from the Back?

Ensures clean, professional edges with no visible markings.
Helps conceal any minor cutting imperfections on the front side.

Taking the time to carefully mark your cutting lines will result in a perfectly measured and well-aligned mat for framing.

Step 9: Cut the First (Backing) Mat

Once you’ve marked your cutting lines, it’s time to carefully cut the backing mat.

How to Cut the Mat

Align the blade with the ruler or T-square, ensuring the cutting edge is flush against the straight edge.
If using a mat cutter, use its sliding mechanism to guide the cut precisely along the ruler’s edge.
If cutting manually, press firmly against the ruler or T-square to prevent slippage as you cut.

Cutting Tips

Cut slowly and steadily with equal pressure for a clean cut.
Make sure you’re cutting the correct amount and that the length and width are accurate after each pass.
For a clean, straight cut, it’s best to cut all the way through on the first pass. If that’s not possible, make several lighter passes.
If the cut is incomplete, push down vertically with the blade and adjust the angle to finish the cut smoothly.

Safety Considerations

Always prioritize safety—cut slowly, and keep your hands out of the blade’s path.
Improper use of cutting tools can result in severe injury, so ensure you’re using them correctly.

By cutting with care and precision, you’ll achieve a sharp, straight backing mat for your picture frame.

Step 10: Cut the Second (Window Frame) Mat

After cutting the backing mat, move on to cutting the second mat to create the window frame for the front of the picture.

How to Cut the Window Frame Mat

Cut the outer dimensions of the second mat to match the exact size of the backing mat, as both mats will be fitted together.
Use the ruler to guide the blade and carefully cut along the edges to ensure precise, straight lines.
Select a decorative mat if you want a bold or colorful border to stand out, as this mat will be most visible and will complement the picture.

Choosing the Inner Dimensions

The outer dimensions of the window frame should match the backing mat for a proper fit.
The inner dimensions are flexible, but typically a ½-inch to 1.5-inch window frame offers the most balanced and professional look.

By carefully cutting the second mat, you’ll create a beautiful window frame that enhances your picture while maintaining a clean, well-proportioned presentation.

Step 11: Create Layered Mats

For a more intricate, multi-dimensional look, consider creating layered mats around the picture. This technique adds depth and complexity, making the frame more ornate.

How to Create Layered Mats

Cut each subsequent window mat about 0.5 inch to 1 inch smaller than the previous one.
Arrange the mats concentrically around the picture, starting with the largest on the outside and progressively getting smaller.
Experiment with colors and designs to enhance the aesthetic appeal and create a dynamic contrast between the layers.

Tips for Layering Mats

Measure and cut each mat separately to ensure accuracy.
Maintain consistent size variations between the layers unless a specific design calls for more dramatic changes.

Layering mats adds visual interest and gives your framed picture a more personalized, professional finish.

Step 12: Secure the Mats

Once your mats are cut and ready, it’s time to secure them in place around the picture.

How to Secure the Mats

Position the picture against the backing mat, ensuring it’s centered within the window frame mat.
Align both mats carefully, checking that the picture is perfectly centered.
Use small strips of artist’s tape to lightly stick the mats together temporarily.
Flip the matted picture over and tape across the back edges to hold everything securely.
After the mats are taped in place, remove the front strips of tape, and the mats will stay in position around the picture.

Additional Tips for Taping

Stick the tape to a piece of fabric before applying it to the mat to reduce its tackiness. This will help prevent damage when removing the tape.
Use a covered frame for original artwork to protect it from potential damage or smudging, especially if it’s left exposed without glass.

Once your mats are securely in place, you can insert the matted picture into the frame or display the mats as a standalone border for a more rustic, unfinished look.