Last Updated on Dec 28, 2025 by Happy Dieter
Mat boards are an essential component of framing artwork, adding a touch of professionalism and customization to your pieces. Cutting your mat board is a cost-effective and rewarding process that requires minimal materials. By following a few simple steps, you can create beautifully framed artwork that showcases your unique style.
Key Takeaways:
- Cutting your mat board allows for customization and personalization of your framed artwork.
- To cut mat board, you’ll need an uncut mat board, artwork, a picture frame, a ruler, a sharp blade, a mat cutter, and a protective cutting surface.
- Measure the size of the glass or acrylic, the artwork, and the mat before cutting the mat board.
- Trace the lines for the cuts and use a straight-edge ruler and mat cutter for clean and precise cuts.
- Secure the artwork to the mat board with archival tape before placing it inside the frame.
How to Cut Mat Board?
To cut mat board, you’ll need an uncut mat board in your desired color and texture, the artwork you want to frame, a picture frame, a pencil, a ruler, a sharp blade (such as an X-Acto knife), a mat cutter, and a protective cutting surface. Here’s how to do it:
- Measure the width and height of the glass or acrylic inside the frame to determine the size of the mat board needed.
- Measure the size of the artwork and the size of the mat, ensuring that the window opening for the artwork is smaller than the artwork itself.
- Trace the lines for the mat board cuts based on the measurements taken.
- Cut along the lines using a straight-edge ruler and the mat cutter, making sure to press firmly for clean cuts.
- Pop out the center of the mat board and place it on top of the artwork, ensuring it is centered.
- Use archival tape to secure the artwork to the mat board.
- Place the mat board and artwork inside the frame and replace the backing.
Cutting your mat board allows for personalization and cost savings, giving your artwork a professional and polished look. It’s a skill that can be learned with practice, and the final result will make your artwork truly stand out.
Choosing the Right Mat Cutter
When it comes to framing your artwork, selecting the right mat cutter is crucial. To ensure clean and precise cuts, as well as ease of use, several factors should be considered.
- Determine Your Needs and Preferences: Assess what you specifically require from a mat cutter. Think about the size and type of artwork you typically work with, as well as your budget constraints.
- Consider Different Types of Mat Cutters: There are various options available, including handheld cutters, tabletop models with guide rails, and high-end electronic and automatic cutters. Each type has its features and capabilities.
- Examine Quality and Budget: Take into account the quality and durability of different mat cutters. Research brands and read customer reviews to ensure you’re investing in a reliable and effective product.
Choosing the right mat cutter is essential for achieving professional-looking frames. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a hobbyist, finding the perfect mat cutter will enhance your framing projects and make the process a breeze.
Comparison Table: Types of Mat Cutters
| Type of Mat Cutter | Features | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Handheld cutters | Portable, lightweight, and easy to maneuver | Suitable for small-scale projects and beginners |
| Tabletop models with guide rails | Sturdy construction, precise cutting lines | Offers more control and accuracy for larger artworks |
| High-end electronic and automatic cutters | Advanced features, programmable settings | Ideal for professional framers or frequent use |
Remember: Choosing the right mat cutter will ensure your framing projects turn out beautifully. Take your time to evaluate different options, consider your specific needs, and read reviews to find the perfect fit for your artistic endeavors.
Cutting Custom Picture Mats
Cutting your custom picture mats can be a cost-effective and rewarding way to frame your artwork. By cutting custom picture mats, you have the opportunity to personalize your framing options and enhance the overall presentation of your artwork. To get started, gather the necessary supplies:
- Thin black frames in various sizes
- Mat board cutter
- Acrylic ruler
- Rotary cutter
- Self-healing cutting mat
- Pencil
Once you have your supplies ready, follow these steps:
- Measure the opening size for the artwork on the mat board.
- Mark the cutout lines on the back of the mat board using a pencil.
- Use the mat board cutter to cut along the marked lines, ensuring a clean and precise cut.
- Mark the cutout for the photo on the backside of the mat board.
- Use the mat board cutter and acrylic ruler to cut out the opening.
- Secure the photo to the back of the mat board using white artist’s tape.
- Trim any excess from the picture using an X-Acto knife and metal ruler.
- Finally, mount the matted art into the frame.
| Materials Needed: | Step |
|---|---|
| Thin black frames in various sizes | 1 |
| Mat board cutter | 2 |
| Acrylic ruler | 3 |
| Rotary cutter | 4 |
| Self-healing cutting mat | 5 |
| Pencil | 6 |
Cutting your custom picture mats not only saves you money but also allows for a more personalized framing experience. With a little practice, you can create professional-looking frames that showcase your artwork in the best possible way. Start cutting custom picture mats today and elevate the presentation of your artwork.
Conclusion
Learning the art of cutting mat boards is an invaluable skill for framing artwork. By following the mat board cutting techniques outlined in this article, you can create professional-looking frames that accentuate and protect your artwork. Best of all, cutting your mat board offers customization and cost savings compared to professional framing services.
With just a few essential materials and some practice, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of custom framing. By cutting mat boards to precise dimensions, you can create personalized frames that perfectly complement your artwork. These custom picture mats add depth and professionalism, allowing you to showcase your artwork like a true pro.
Whether you’re an artist looking to display your creations or an art enthusiast wanting to frame your favorite pieces, mastering mat board cutting techniques opens up a world of possibilities. The ability to customize your framing projects gives you endless options for presenting your artwork in a unique and personalized way. So, grab your mat cutter and start creating your custom picture mats today!
Is the Cutting Technique for Mat Board Similar to Hardie Board?
When comparing cutting hardie board techniques to mat board, it’s important to note that the materials are quite different. While both may be cut using similar tools like a utility knife or a cutter, the technique itself for hardie board involves scoring and snapping, whereas mat board may require more precision cutting with a mat cutter.
FAQ
What materials do I need to cut the mat board?
To cut mat board, you will need an uncut mat board in your desired color and texture, the artwork you want to frame, a picture frame, a pencil, a ruler, a sharp blade (such as an X-Acto knife), a mat cutter, and a protective cutting surface.
How do I measure the mat board and artwork?
Measure the width and height of the glass or acrylic inside the frame to determine the size of the mat board needed. Measure the size of the artwork and the size of the mat, ensuring that the window opening for the artwork is smaller than the artwork itself.
How do I cut the mat board?
Trace the lines for the mat board cuts based on the measurements taken. Cut along the lines using a straight-edge ruler and the mat cutter, making sure to press firmly for clean cuts.
How do I secure the artwork to the mat board?
Pop out the center of the mat board and place it on top of the artwork, ensuring it is centered. Use archival tape to secure the artwork to the mat board.
What do I do after cutting the mat board?
Place the mat board and artwork inside the frame and replace the backing.
How do I choose the right mat cutter for framing?
When choosing a mat cutter for framing, consider your specific needs and preferences, assess the quality and budget of the options available, and research different brands and read reviews to ensure you are selecting a reliable and effective mat cutter.
What supplies do I need to cut custom picture mats?
To cut custom picture mats, gather thin black frames in various sizes, a mat board cutter, an acrylic ruler, a rotary cutter, a self-healing cutting mat, and a pencil.
How do I cut custom picture mats?
Measure the opening size for the artwork on the mat board and mark the cutout lines on the back of the mat board. Use the mat cutter to cut along the marked lines, ensuring a clean and precise cut. Mark the cutout for the photo on the backside of the mat board and use the mat cutter and acrylic ruler to cut out the opening. Secure the photo to the back of the mat board using white artist’s tape. Trim any excess from the picture using an X-Acto knife and metal ruler. Finally, mount the matted art into the frame.
Is cutting your mat board cost-effective?
Yes, cutting your mat board can be cost-effective compared to having your artwork professionally framed.
Does cutting mat board allow for customization?
Yes, cutting mat board allows for customization and personalization, adding a unique touch to your framing projects.
What are the benefits of cutting your mat board?
Cutting your mat board allows for personalization, and cost savings, and gives your artwork a professional and polished look.
Can I cut the mat board myself even if I’m not a professional artist?
Yes, cutting mat board is a skill that can be learned and mastered with practice, and it can be done by anyone, whether you are a professional artist or an art enthusiast.
