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

2torial #0905 - Step 4:
Learn2 Prepare a Mat for a Picture (Continued)

Hinge the artwork

Hinge the artwork? That's right. Humidity changes can cause paper art to expand and contract. If your artwork is overly secured to the mounting board, it can buckle, even tear. To avoid this problem, it's best to create a "hinge"--taping the top edge of the artwork onto the mounting board, and leaving the three other sides unattached and with room to move.

• Find where the artwork should be on the mounting board (the piece you put aside after Step 2) by laying the window mat over the mouting board. With your pencil, mark the horizontal and vertical corner lines of the window onto the mounting board behind it. Remove the window mat. Measure 3/8 inch (1 centimeter) outward from each corner line on the mounting board and mark these new corners. By adding 3/8 inch to the window marks, you're getting the actual dimensions of the artwork, and you have the artwork's mounting spot. (But just to be certain, position the artwork on the mounting board and lay the window mat on top to see if it all lines up.)

• Once you're sure of the artwork's placement, it's time to hinge. Cut a few one-inch (2.5 centimeters) pieces of linen tape (the number depends on the size of the artwork) and attach them to the top edge of the artwork. The edge of the tape should be attached no further down than 1/4 of an inch (6 mm) beyond the edge of the artwork. Otherwise, the tape might show past the edge of window mat. To make sure you apply the tape correctly, lay your straight edge across the top of the artwork so only 1/4 inch (6 mm) of the top edge is showing.

• Attach the artwork so it fits into the marked area on the mounting board. Make sure the artwork is flat against the mounting board before securing the tape.

• Line up the top edge of the mounting board with the top edge of the window mat. The window mat should be face-down and the mounting board should be face-up. Attach one long piece of linen tape parallel across both butting edges (making another hinge). Now fold the cut mat over the mounting board and art, as if you're closing a book.

When everything lines up securely, you can sit back and take pride in your perfectly matted artwork. Now all you have to do is frame it.

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