

This overlap helps hold the print in place and avoids any gaps between the print and mat when framing. Keep in mind that most people who cut mat boards leave an overlap of no more than 1/4″ on all sides. To determine the inside size, measure your print. That’s the outer dimension of your mat board. To determine the outer size of the mat board, simply measure the glass or clear cover from the picture frame. What size photo or print you want to frame. There are two things you need to consider when buying mats for picture frames:Ģ.

This mat board is 48pt thick and has a clean beveled edge to highlight your photo or art print. How thick the mat board is defines how much of that beveled mat edge you see.Īnother point to consider is that while most picture frame mats are made of acid-free material, not all are.
HOW TO MAKE PHOTO FRAME FOR BIRTHDAY WITH CARDBOARD PROFESSIONAL
That angled edge gives your framed print that professional touch. Where this really makes a difference is with the beveled edge. Thin matting material doesn’t accent your photo as well as a thicker mat board. The thickness and material of matting for frames can make a world of difference. Are some picture frame mats better than others? Whether you choose a subtle 1″ border or something thicker, mats to frame photos add an upscale elegance to your framed photo. Picture framing mats are an easy way to “dress up” a print you want to frame. Sometimes called cardboard, picture frame mats are typically made of thick, acid-free material to frame and protect your photos or prints. Most picture frame mats are made of out archival-quality, acid-free material, meaning they won’t yellow or fade the prints they frame. They are available in all sorts of colors, for any occasion, for any taste. It’s typically sturdy like cardboard, but it isn’t actually cardboard.Ĭrafted out of sturdy mat board material, picture frame mats are an easy way to highlight a framed photo, art print, or map. The thick material inside a picture frame is called a picture frame mat.
