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How to Cut a Mat for Artwork

Matting a piece of art is the least expensive way to display it. Matting ensures that the back of your piece is protected from damage by any adhesives, tapes, tacks or other fasteners. Art mats can be cut from any heavy card stock, in a range of colors. Mats should complement the artwork without competing for attention, so they are typically white, brown, black, green or blue. Art should be matted using acid-free adhesives. Properly matted art sells for a higher price than art works that have not been matted. Matting artwork shows respect for the efforts of the artist.

Things You'll Need

  • Acid-free, lignin-free poster board two inches larger in all directions than the art to be matted
  • Acid-free, lignin-free adhesive
  • Art to be matted
  • Paper cutter
  • Scissors
  • Utility knife
  • Yardstick
  • Carpenter's square
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Instructions

    • 1

      Check all corners of the artwork to be matted, to ensure they make 90-degree angles. Trim the artwork as needed, using a paper cutter.

    • 2

      Measure the acid-free, lignin-free poster board. Use a carpenter's square to make sure all corners are 90-degree angles. Cut the poster board to the desired length and width of your mat, two inches larger all around

    • 3

      Apply a light coating of acid-free, lignin-free adhesive to the poster board mat, and to the back of the artwork. Press your artwork onto the mat, smoothing it from the center to the top, from the center to the bottom, from the center to the left, and from the center to the right, to remove any air bubbles. Allow the adhesive to dry.

    • 4

      Hang your artwork to its best advantage. Remember to protect your artwork from direct sunlight.

    • 5

      Frame art after matting. This will increase its value and protect the art from dust and light damage.

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