
	Intro: Before you begin Step 1: Gather your materials Step 2: Cut two mats to fit the frame Step 3: Cut one mat to frame the artwork Step 4: Hinge the artwork








	Don't buy a mat to match a room in your house. Always make your choices according to what looks best with the artwork--it may not always be in the same location. As a general rule, your mat should be 4-8 inches (10-20 centimeters) longer and wider than your artwork (depending on art and frame size) to allow for a 2-4 inch (5-10 centimeter) border.

2torial #0905 - Step 1:
Learn2 Prepare a Mat for a Picture (Continued)

Gather your materials

When choosing a mat, you'll want to consider thickness, material, color and size. Since you'll be cutting the mat yourself, get the standard two-ply thickness, which is the thinnest and easiest to cut.

The mat you choose can also mean a lot to the preservation of the artwork. Paper is very sensitive to acidic elements, which can cause it to yellow and eventually disintegrate (think of an old newspaper). If long-term preservation is a concern, buy mat board that's acid-free. It's a little more expensive than standard mat board, but it might be worth your while in the long run.

Choosing mat board color is a matter of taste. Bring along the artwork if possible and hold it against the mat to see what looks best. If color matching is not your thing, consider these tips for a safe choice:

Pick a mat that accents the colors that draw the artwork together. For example, if the artwork has a background made up of dark greens, try a more muted shade of green.
Try a color value (lightness or darkness) that balances with the value of the artwork's predominant colors.
Avoid bright colors that draw your eye away from the artwork.

Once you've decided on a mat, make sure you buy enough sheets to cut three or four pieces that will fit the length and width of the inside of your frame, where the glass rests. Two of these cut pieces is for the border and the backing of your artwork, and the rest is extra in case of mistakes.

While you're at the art supply store, you can also buy your linen tape, sandpaper, and cutting tool. A utility or X-Acto knife will work fine for cutting the mat, but they do require a fair amount of dexterity to achieve a clean cut. With a mat cutter, you're likely to get more professional results. They cost a bit more, but they're easier to use. You can also use mat cutters to make a beveled (or angled) cut, which you can't do with a knife.

Step 2