Frames & Matt Ideas...

[okidoki]

Hey guys, I am about to go and get 8 new frames before the weekend. I have decided that 8x12" is going to be the size of my prints.

Questions:
Do you guys cut your "mats" yourself? By that I mean the frame that is in the frame...

What tools do you use in that case?

Do you know of any places that have a great sellection and affordable prices? I can only think IKEA but there might be others...

Thanks for any input, paniking again as usual...

T

[Swampy]

I wouldn't think about cutting a mat myself. Too much time, but that's me.

I've done a few a long time ago, bu don't know where to get them now.

I used a long metal ruler for a guide, a normal box knife to cut the outside edges. For the inside, I used an exacto knife and I would put the edge of the handle by the blade up against the metal ruler to get the angle. There is some art to cutting a mat. That inner edge needs to be as close to perfect as possible, otherwise, you'll get some shadowing effects on the edge that will draw your attention away.

Never though of IKEA for matting. I'd probably look towards a framing place. Frames Plus or someplace like that.

[smunky]

Ikea has nice mats. I like to do it myself but Im lazy.

[Bill Dunston]

Check out the Logan hand-held mat cutters. I have one and think it's very easy to use. It puts a 45 degree beveled edge on the mats. I use it on a self-healing cutting board with a grid that makes it idiot proof (almost). You can see the Logan mat cutters, mats, and cutting boards at Dick Blick Art Supplies. The mat cutters really come in hand when making multiple openings on a mat.

bill

[Linda G]

I cut mattes myself using a Logan bought online at CheapJoes.com.

When I first started cutting them, my main problem was getting the outside edges straight. When I solved that problem, the rest fell into place.

Have fun!

[jknights]

Ok as a Brit who travels to the US.

There are several words used in US and UK that have totally the different meaning, e.g.
Bangs
Sweetie
Route

to name a few.

???
Mattes - please can somebody explain.?

[Linda G]

Sorry, just a speeling er, spelling thing. matte = mat

[toners]

Jonathan -

The mat/matte is what we call the cardboard thing with the rectangular opening that gives the photo some breathing space inside the frame.

So how 'bout helping us out with bangs ( a kind of hairstyle?), sweetie (girl friend?), and route (the way to get somewhere?).

Tony