When To Use Matting For A Photo

Here the image is cut apart each section mounted on 1 4 foam.

When to use matting for a photo. Visit your local craft or framing store to get all the supplies you need. A mat can really make your photo pop and complement the flat nature of the medium. The black mat is too dark and overpowers the shadows. For added fun use a pattern fabric for the top and bottom of a mat and a solid fabric for the left and right side of the mat.

Cork is lightweight and provides fun texture to a scrapbook layout. In general using the dominant colors of the art in the mat draws the eye to the art rather than to the framing. Firstly layout the matte and under mount side by side. Instead of measuring and figuring out the right dimensions of the frame and the mat board yourself refer to our list of the most common mat opening and frame sizes based on your print or photograph.

Whereas when matted with the white mat board the shadows look fine. You can use a straight edge to ensure they are lined up exactly. If you mat with those background colors the artist s intended focal point will still draw the eye to it. So for times you d like your shadows to pop go with the lighter tint.

And for very large scale and more atmospheric photographs such as landscapes framing full bleed can look fab. Carol duvall host of hgtv s the carol duvall show shares her discoveries about matting and framing artwork. Hinging the matte is a very common method used in fine art and offers complete protection for the print but also makes the removal of the print a simple process. Beginning with a turquoise mat add 1 2 foam board on top and end with the addition of a white mat on top of the foam board.

Use 8 ply for photos that are wider than 30 inches 76 cm. Use up your fabric scraps by turning them into photo mats. Buy a 4 ply piece of mat board for your standard size photos. Look for acid free or archival grade mats.

Most common print sizes and frames. Photo and art prints are often matted however which adds another dimension to your framing project. Often the artist has some focal point that contrasts with the background colors.