Mat boards, additionally generally known as framing mats, are heavy paper-based supplies of various thicknesses that sit between the body’s glass and the art work or {photograph}.
This cardboard-like materials is available in many textures, colours, and designs, and is mostly used so as to add knowledgeable end to DIY framing initiatives.
Although some framers and artists consider mat boards as purely aesthetic, in addition they serve the aim of defending the framed murals from sticking to the glass and permitting the paper fibers to “breathe”.
Although mat boards are simply bought from skilled suppliers, reducing them requires some primary talent and precision to attain the specified outcomes.
There are three steps everybody using a DIY strategy ought to comply with:
Step 1: Select a High quality Mat Board
On the high of each skilled framer’s listing is a quality matboard as a result of the completed product is barely pretty much as good because the board that’s employed.
Although cheaper mat boards can be found, they run the chance of containing acids and lignin which will completely discolor or in any other case hurt the art work all through the years.
Moreover, probably the most reasonably priced choices are thinner mat boards that don’t supply the identical depth that their costlier counterparts do.
For these on a good funds, pH-neutral choices or ones marketed as acid-free are extremely really helpful.
These mat boards don’t comprise chemical substances that may trigger the deterioration of the art work whereas additionally supplying the correct thickness.
After all, these framers with a bit greater funds may additionally go for archival choices which might be fully freed from ANY acids and are manufactured from cotton.
Step 2: Use a Wholly Flat Slicing Floor
Mat boards are pretty giant in dimension and have to get minimize down to suit the suitable body.
As such, a flat topped floor reminiscent of a eating room or crafting desk are required.
It’s essential that the realm the place the mat board is getting minimize is totally free and away from litter or something which will hinder a clear minimize.
Mats want to put fully flat earlier than being minimize as the important thing to knowledgeable end is precision.
That is particularly the case when utilizing both a craft knife or mat cutter.
Step 3: Use a Sharp Slicing Instrument
There are 3 ways to chop a mat board. The primary is the one employed by professionals which requires a machine that prices hundreds of {dollars}.
For a DIY strategy, there are two reasonably priced choices: a craft X-ACTO knife or a mat board cutter.
A craft knife is one which most individuals have available, however it’s onerous to attain knowledgeable end because the craft knife doesn’t have the power to chop angles.
Matboard cutters are the most suitable choice as they’ve a single blade that enables for the reducing {of professional} angles with pretty good precision.
Mat boards supply knowledgeable final touch for framing art work, pictures, and mawkish ephemera.
Although it’s potential to order custom-cut mat boards, it’s financially a significantly better different to take a DIY strategy.
