Posted by Paul Wegemann on April 17, 2007 at 8:23 PM
I'm interested to know how folks are handling the matting and framing of non-standard size prints. Often, in order to make an image work, I wind up cropping to a non-standard size. This works fine for the web, but makes it difficult to matte. Any advice would be helpful.
Thanks,
Paul
Posted by Bill Chambers on April 17, 2007 at 8:35 PM
I cut my own mats using a Logan 450 mat cutter, so non-standard sizes don't present a problem. I've been very pleased with the Logan. I bought it off ebay (new) for $139 I believe. I figure I paid fo it with just a few mats. I use standard size frames on everything other than panos, which I have custom made. I oversize the frames because I think it gives the image a more "artistic" look. For 8x10 images I use a 16x30 frame, 11x17 image, 18x24 frame, 13x19 image, 22x28 frame, etc. Just my 2 cents.
Posted by Scott Fricke on April 17, 2007 at 8:47 PM
I have been taking mine to a frame shop that uses a computerized matte cutter. They can program in any size mat and opening. It costs $4/mat if you bring in the mat. Very crisp, accurate beveled cuts. I started doing this when I had to assemble a punch of photos for a gallery show, now I wait until I have a few to do and have them do it.
Posted by Adam Schallau on April 17, 2007 at 11:57 PM
I also use a Logan. As long as I use fresh blades, it works pretty dang well. I bought it on sale at Aaron Bros. a few years ago and have more than gotten my money's worth out of it.
Another happy Logan customer here. Cutting your own isn't difficult, but it does take a little practice and, as Harley points out, a sharp blade is very important.
Regardless of print dimensions, I always used standard size mat "blanks" so that I can work with standard sized frames - e.g., a 12x15 print goes into a 20x24 mat with a 12x15 opening.
I purchase the frame sections in bulk and then cut them with a mitre saw using a 100 tooth titanium blade. It's nice to be able to go outside of the standard sizes !! (especially great for wide panoramics)
Posted by Paul Wegemann on April 19, 2007 at 9:14 AM
Thank you all for the great ideas. Much appreciated!
Paul
Discussion
9 repliesThanks,
Paul
Guy
Regardless of print dimensions, I always used standard size mat "blanks" so that I can work with standard sized frames - e.g., a 12x15 print goes into a 20x24 mat with a 12x15 opening.
Paul