Here are some simple tips to use in matting your artwork, photos etc that can enhance and present them professionally. I will post them one at a time over the next few days.

1. BASIC SINGLE MAT
2. DOUBLE MAT
3. BOTTOM WEIGHTING
4. SINGLE MAT FLOAT
5. TRIPLE MAT OR DOUBLE MAT FLOAT


1. BASIC SINGLE MAT

This is what most people think of when matting a picture. One mat with an open¬ing cut to just slightly overlap the image you are matting and even borders of mat all around. As simple and elegant presentation – the key here is choosing a color that will enhance the image without stealing away its focus.

Choose a border size for your mat that compliments but does not take away from the picture as well. The more neutral the color of your mat – the larger border you can get away with because of the contrast. That is why you can often appreciate contrasting black and white photos in very wide bordered white mats in a gallery setting.

Often people will use about ¼ of the smallest dimension as a guide. For example; an 8” x 10” photo with a 2” mat border is common.

Also remember to measure the opening you need so that it is at least ¼” smaller than your image if you want to mount the image behind the mat. You will need some of the image paper to fasten to the back of the mat – unless you plan to “float” it as we describe later in this article.


Artwork courtesy of Patricia Arndt and inspired from Karin Jurick's "Different Strokes" website.
Mat created using the MatoMatic tool - courtesy of www.matshop.com.
You can do it too and best of all its FREE!