A mat cutter is a tool used in framing to cut mats with precision. It typically consists of a baseboard, a cutting head with a mat blade, and various guides and measuring tools. Mat cutters ensure clean and accurate cuts, allowing for professional framing presentations of artwork, photographs, and other materials.
Mat Cutting Calculator
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Baseboard | The flat surface where you place the matboard for cutting. |
| Cutting Head | The part of the mat cutter that holds the cutting blade and allows you to make precise cuts. |
| Straightedge | A guide or ruler that helps ensure straight cuts. |
| Mat Blade | The sharp blade used for cutting the matboard. |
| Bevel Cutter | A specialized cutting head that allows you to create beveled (angled) cuts on the mat. |
| Depth Adjuster | Allows you to adjust the blade depth to control the depth of the cut. |
| Mat Stops | Adjustable stops that help you measure and cut mats to specific dimensions. |
| Squaring Arm | A tool that helps ensure corners and edges are square and aligned. |
| Parallel Mat Guide | A guide that ensures consistent border widths when cutting multiple mats. |
| Pivot Point | A point on the mat cutter where you rotate or pivot the cutting head for beveled cuts. |
| Measuring Scales | Markings on the baseboard or straightedge that help you measure and cut accurately. |
FAQs
How do you measure for mat cutting? To measure for mat cutting, you’ll typically follow these steps:
- Measure the width and height of your artwork or picture.
- Determine the size of the mat border you want around your artwork. Common border widths range from 1.5 to 3 inches.
- Add twice the border width to both the width and height of your artwork to calculate the mat size. For example, if your artwork is 8×10 inches and you want a 2-inch mat border, your mat size would be approximately 12×14 inches.
How do you size a mat? To size a mat, you’ll need to choose the dimensions of the mat based on the artwork’s size and your desired border width, as explained in the previous answer.
What size mat for a 16×20 frame? For a 16×20 frame, a common mat size would be around 11×14 inches, leaving a border of approximately 2.5 inches on each side.
What is the golden ratio for framing? The golden ratio for framing is a design principle that suggests using the ratio of approximately 1.618 to 1 when determining the width of the mat relative to the height. For example, if the height of your mat is 10 inches, the width should be roughly 16.18 inches.
How do you calculate mat opening? To calculate the mat opening, subtract the dimensions of your artwork (width and height) from the dimensions of the mat (width and height). The result is the size of the opening, which should be slightly smaller than your artwork to ensure it doesn’t fall through the mat opening.
What size mat do I need for a 12×18 picture? For a 12×18 picture, you might consider a mat size of around 16×20 inches, giving you a border of approximately 2 inches on each side.
How big is an 11×14 mat? An 11×14 mat typically has an outside dimension of 16×20 inches, with an opening that accommodates an 11×14-inch artwork.
What does matted to 11×14 mean? “Matted to 11×14” means that the artwork or picture has been framed with a mat that has an opening specifically cut to fit an 11×14-inch artwork. The mat may be larger to create a border around the artwork.
What are standard mat sizes? Standard mat sizes include 8×10, 11×14, 16×20, and 18×24, but mats can be custom-cut to fit your specific artwork and frame.
How much bigger should a mat be than the picture? A mat is typically cut to be slightly larger than the picture, usually with a border of 1/4 to 1/2 inch on each side. This ensures the picture is securely held in place within the frame.
Should the mat be bigger than the frame? No, the mat should not be bigger than the frame. The mat should fit within the frame’s dimensions. The frame should be larger than both the mat and the artwork.
What size mat do I need for an 11×17 picture? For an 11×17 picture, you might consider a mat size of around 16×20 inches, creating a border of approximately 2.5 inches on each side.
Does matting on a picture have to be equal on all sides? Matting on a picture does not have to be equal on all sides. The choice of mat border width is a matter of personal preference and aesthetics. Some people prefer equal borders, while others may opt for wider borders at the bottom or sides to create a more visually pleasing composition.
What is the most attractive golden ratio? The most attractive golden ratio is often considered to be approximately 1.618 to 1. This ratio is found in various aspects of art, design, and nature and is often seen as visually pleasing.
Are matted frames better? Matted frames can enhance the presentation of artwork or photographs, providing separation between the artwork and the frame, as well as adding an element of style. Whether matted frames are “better” depends on personal preference and the desired aesthetic for the piece.
How do you cut matting for frames? To cut matting for frames, you can use a mat cutter or have it done professionally. Measure and mark the dimensions you want for the mat, use a mat cutter to make straight and beveled cuts, and ensure the artwork fits snugly within the mat opening.
What size mat for a 16×24 print? For a 16×24 print, you might consider a mat size of around 20×28 inches, providing a border of approximately 2 inches on each side.
How do I choose a mat color for framing? Choose a mat color that complements the colors in your artwork and complements the frame and your decor. Common choices are neutral colors like white, cream, or gray, but you can also use contrasting or coordinating colors for artistic effect.
Can I have a mat cut at Michaels? Yes, you can typically have mats cut at Michaels, a popular arts and crafts store. They offer custom framing services, including mat cutting.
What size is the opening on an 8×10 mat? The opening on an 8×10 mat would typically be cut to accommodate a 7.5×9.5-inch artwork to leave a small border around the picture.
How big is a 16×20 picture? A 16×20 picture has dimensions of 16 inches in width and 20 inches in height.
How do I choose a picture mat? Choose a picture mat by considering the artwork’s size, your desired border width, the color of the mat, and how it complements the overall presentation of your artwork.
What size frame is matted to 13×19? A frame that is matted to 13×19 would typically have an opening that fits a 13×19-inch artwork, with a mat border around it.
What is the size up from 11×14? The size up from 11×14 is typically 16×20, which is a common mat and frame size used to mat an 11×14-inch picture.
Is 11×14 a standard print size? Yes, 11×14 inches is a standard print size commonly used for photographs and artwork.
What is the difference between matte and mat framing? “Matte” typically refers to a flat, non-glossy finish, while “mat framing” refers to the practice of using a mat (matting) around artwork or photographs within a frame. The two terms are not directly related.
What size is a gym mat? Gym mats come in various sizes, with common dimensions for individual exercise mats ranging from 2×6 feet to 4×8 feet, but larger sizes are also available for different uses.
What size are fall mats? Fall mats used in healthcare settings can vary in size, but they are often around 30×70 inches or larger to provide a cushioned surface to prevent injuries from falls.
What is the best thickness for a mat? The best thickness for a mat depends on the application and personal preference. For framing mats, a typical thickness is around 1/16 to 1/8 inch. Exercise mats and floor mats may have thicker padding for comfort and safety.
How much should a mat overlap? A mat should typically overlap the edges of the artwork by about 1/4 to 1/2 inch on each side to secure the artwork within the frame.
Is a thicker mat better? Thicker mats can provide more depth and impact in framing, but the choice of mat thickness depends on your preferences and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve.
Does art look better with a mat? The use of a mat can enhance the appearance of art by creating separation between the artwork and the frame, as well as adding an element of style. Whether art looks better with a mat is subjective and depends on the specific piece and the desired presentation.
What does matted to 8×10 mean? “Matted to 8×10” means that the artwork has been framed with a mat that has an opening specifically cut to fit an 8×10-inch artwork.
What size mat for a 12×16 picture? For a 12×16 picture, you might consider a mat size of around 16×20 inches, giving you a border of approximately 2 inches on each side.
Is 11×17 the same as 12×18? No, 11×17 and 12×18 are not the same. They have different dimensions. 11×17 is 11 inches wide by 17 inches high, while 12×18 is 12 inches wide by 18 inches high.
Will an 11×17 poster fit in an 11×17 frame? An 11×17 poster should fit perfectly into an 11×17 frame, assuming the frame’s opening is designed to accommodate that size.
Why would you place more space at the bottom when matting a photograph? Placing more space at the bottom when matting a photograph can create visual balance and emphasize the subject of the photo. It’s a design choice to enhance the overall composition.
Who is considered the most beautiful man in the world? Beauty is subjective, and opinions on who is the most beautiful man in the world vary widely. There is no universally agreed-upon answer to this question.
Who is the most beautiful woman according to the Golden Ratio? The concept of the “most beautiful woman” according to the Golden Ratio is subjective and varies over time and cultures. The Golden Ratio is just one of many criteria used to evaluate beauty.
Who is the most beautiful girl in the world? Beauty is subjective, and there is no definitive answer to who the most beautiful girl in the world is, as perceptions of beauty vary among individuals and cultures.
Why is matting and framing so expensive? Matting and framing can be expensive due to the cost of materials (mats, frames, glass), labor for custom work, and the expertise required for precise and aesthetically pleasing framing. Quality materials and craftsmanship can contribute to higher costs.
What is the strongest frame design? The strength of a frame design depends on the materials used and the intended purpose. For structural strength, designs such as I-beams and trusses are strong. In the context of picture framing, wooden frames with corner reinforcement are commonly used for durability.
What to do about matted? It’s not clear what you mean by “matted.” If you’re referring to damage or issues with matting in a framed artwork, you may need to replace or repair the matting.
How do you use a mat cutter? To use a mat cutter, you’ll need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, but generally, you’ll measure, mark, and guide the mat cutter along the lines you want to cut, creating beveled or straight cuts in the matboard.
How do you flatten a mat cut? To flatten a mat cut, place the mat between two clean, heavy objects (e.g., books) and leave it for some time to help it regain its flat shape.
Can I cut mat with an exacto knife? Yes, you can cut matboard with an X-Acto knife or a sharp utility knife, but using a mat cutter or straightedge may provide more precise and controlled cuts.
How big of a frame do I need to mat 24×36? To mat a 24×36 picture, you would typically use a frame with an opening slightly larger than 24×36 inches, allowing for a border created by the mat.
What size frame do I need to mat a 16×20 picture? For a 16×20 picture with matting, you would generally use a frame with an opening slightly larger than 16×20 inches to accommodate the mat border.
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