DIY Network

Framing Valuable Art, Prints or Posters, Part 1 Cutting Mats for Framing From "Get Framed" episode DGFR-104

	Before
	After

In this Get Framed project, host Shahnaz LaCaze helps guest Tyree McLyn frame a valuable serigraph, personally signed by the artist. Tyree and her husband Virgil are opening a new wine bar where they hope to display their collection of fine art. However, most of their budget has gone into construction, leaving very little left for decoration. Shahnaz helps Tyree creates a high end look (without the exorbitant price tag) by investing as much as possible in a nice frame, then using do-it-yourself techniques to cut costs on what goes inside the frame. She demonstrates the techniques for cutting and designing a mat then details the mat using a paint technique that will give it a custom and expensive look. Finally, the frame is embellished with tambourine bells to echo a central item in the painting.

The project begins with selecting and cutting the mat. Detailed step-by-step instructions follow for helping you duplicate this kind of project for some of your own prized artwork.

Materials:

acid-free mat board (available at art-supply and framing stores)
straight edge
pencil
craft knife
mat cutter (available at your local art supply store for about $20)
cardboard (secured to your work surface so it doesn't move)
clamps
masking tape

Important: Acid-free mat board is critical. Regular mats are made of paper products that can "burn" and discolor your artwork over time. Acid-free is considered archival quality and wont damage your artwork.

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Figure A

Mats are essential to the look and preservation of your artwork. A mat accents the piece and draws the eye into the picture, stabilizes the artwork and--most importantly--protects the piece by separating the art from the glass. Shahnaz also demonstrates a few secrets to cutting the perfect mat.

Steps:

1. Measure the distance from the edges of your artwork to the inside edges of the frame to determine how wide a mat border is needed (figure A).

	Figure B
	Figure C

2. Put down cardboard on your cutting surface and secure it with clamps. Cardboard (or another sheet of mat board) is best because it will not dull the Craft blade as you cut through your mat.

3. Place your mat face-down and tape it to the cardboard on your cutting surface so that it does not move while cutting.

4. Mark your measurements in pencil on the back of the mat, drawing out all your cutting lines by placing dots at key points (figures B) and then using your straight edge to connect the dots with a pencil (figure C).

Figure D

5. Place straight edge along one traced cutting line. Then line up the mat cutter next to it (figure D).

Tip: Always make sure that the bulk of the mat is to the right of you and the mat cutter itself is always working on the left side of the mat board. This will ensure that you get the correct bevel edge from your cut.

6. Push the blade down exactly on your first cutting point, then smoothly follow your traced line with the mat cutter, slowing down as you reach the end. Stop just before you reach your end point and lift up to remove the cutter.

7. Repeat the process on all four sides.

Tip: Do not over cut. It is best not to cut to the edge or you risk an over-cut. An over-cut may look small now, but in time it will grow and become an eye sore as materials expand. Instead, end your cut early and finish the corners with a razor or Craft knife.

Note: Cutting your own mat is a great way to save on framing costs. At a framing shop, they will charge you for every cut they make. A 32"x40" mat could run you about $30, professionally cut.

RESOURCES :

Amir Studio and Frame Gallery
www.amirframegallery.com

Jewel Box Platinum/Jewel Box Frames
www.jewelboxplatinum.com

Larson-Juhl Framing Supplies
www.larsonjuhl.com