Carol duvall host of hgtv s the carol duvall show shares her discoveries about matting and framing artwork.
How to frame 8 x 12 photo with a mat.
Generally the mat will cover 1 4 on each side of the image.
1 mat size.
An 8 x 10 standard frame may come with a 1 1 2 mat which allows you to frame a 5 x 7 image as well.
For example a 16 by 20 inch frame would need an outer mat that is 16 by 20.
16 x 16 frame width.
Here the image is cut apart each section mounted on 1 4 foam.
Do not let the exposed tape touch the mat until you have decided placement.
16 x 16 mat window.
Then use a ruler and razor or box cutter to cut a picture mat to the same size as the frame backing board.
Frame with pre cut mat available in white or black here.
11 5 x 11 5 mat width.
Our website s custom build a frame allows you to enter your artwork size and using these dimensions automatically calculates the recommended mat window opening and frame size.
This allows the mat to overlap the image slightly holding it behind the frame.
S i z i n g i n f o frame opening.
For instance an 11 x 14 photo will have a mat board opening that measures 10 1 2 x 13 1 2 inches as in this example.
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.
If you purchased a 12 x 12 art print then i recommend a 16 x 16 frame with a mat.
To figure the mat starting from a standard frame size make the outer mat the size of the frame.
When you want to frame artwork with a unique size order a custom frame to get an exact match for your print.
If you need other sizing options you can easily create just about any custom sized picture mat by using the custom feature found on any of the bulk mat board pages found on the main menu under mat boards.
Attach mat to artwork.
Turn the page picture side up and hold the pre cut mat over the page to decide where you want the image in the opening.
If you want a 4 inch mat the art work needs to be 8 1 4 x 12 1 4.
Frames for unique print sizes.