Posted by Thomas Young on February 12, 2012 at 3:50 AM
Hi,
I've just started cutting mats, however I was wondering when people offer matted prints in standard frame sizes, is the outside of the mat cut to the exact size? ie. 8"x 10" to fit a 8" x 10" frame?
I ask because I've framed a few prints in 16" x 20" (actually 40cm x 50cm) frames, and found if I cut the mat to the exact size, it was a really tight fit, and not possible to slip in - ended up trimming off a little bit. Do people cut slightly small, taking off say 1/8" from vertical and horizontal to enable the mat to slip in? I realise each frame is going to be different and you risk taking off too much, but just wondering what standard practice is.
Thanks!
Posted by RL Potts on February 12, 2012 at 12:15 PM
Most frames are 161/8" by 201/8" so 16x20 fits. Measure the frame first and cut mat 1/8" smaller. This usually fits if cuts are straight.
Posted by Jim Bullard on February 12, 2012 at 12:44 PM
Generally frames are made to fit the matted image so an 8x10 frame has an opening slightly larger than 8x10. Like sizing in clothes though, that is not universally true so it's best to measure the opening.
Posted by Thomas Young on February 12, 2012 at 6:45 PM
Thanks, I may sell some matted prints where I don't know which frame it is going in.
It sounds like I should cut to an exact standard frame size, and the buyer will have to find a frame that is 1/8" longer and wider.
Posted by Lon Overacker on February 12, 2012 at 6:47 PM
Tom,
As the others have mentioned "most" frames are built with a little extra room and if you stick with the exact dimensions with your mats, you shouldn't have any trouble. On occassion, especially with custom frames, and more specifically moulding and non-wood frames where the pieces are individually cut you can get some mis-cuts. Knowing that though, I would recommend that you stick with easy dimensions and straight cuts with your mats. If you get a frame and the exact 16x20 doesn't fit, then you need to request a new frame and/or find another source. Also, pay attention when you buy your frames what they say - do they call out exact dimensions? Most online frame places will. But the more important reason to keeping your mat size consistent and properly measured and cut are the proportions. You start trimming mat and I guarantee it won't be as pretty as your first cut and even though it may only be 1/8 inch, you start throwing off your measurements of the opening, etc. If you start out attempting to cut a 15 7/8" x 19 7/8" mat just to fit an unknown frame size, you are more likely to make a mistake with your math and cutting the opening, leading to wasted mat. Why do I say that? 'cause I've done it too many times.... ;-)
Lon
Posted by Thomas Young on February 18, 2012 at 7:00 PM
Thanks Lon for your input, good point about the difficulty of calculating the opening
Discussion
5 repliesI've just started cutting mats, however I was wondering when people offer matted prints in standard frame sizes, is the outside of the mat cut to the exact size? ie. 8"x 10" to fit a 8" x 10" frame?
I ask because I've framed a few prints in 16" x 20" (actually 40cm x 50cm) frames, and found if I cut the mat to the exact size, it was a really tight fit, and not possible to slip in - ended up trimming off a little bit. Do people cut slightly small, taking off say 1/8" from vertical and horizontal to enable the mat to slip in? I realise each frame is going to be different and you risk taking off too much, but just wondering what standard practice is.
Thanks!
It sounds like I should cut to an exact standard frame size, and the buyer will have to find a frame that is 1/8" longer and wider.
As the others have mentioned "most" frames are built with a little extra room and if you stick with the exact dimensions with your mats, you shouldn't have any trouble. On occassion, especially with custom frames, and more specifically moulding and non-wood frames where the pieces are individually cut you can get some mis-cuts. Knowing that though, I would recommend that you stick with easy dimensions and straight cuts with your mats. If you get a frame and the exact 16x20 doesn't fit, then you need to request a new frame and/or find another source. Also, pay attention when you buy your frames what they say - do they call out exact dimensions? Most online frame places will. But the more important reason to keeping your mat size consistent and properly measured and cut are the proportions. You start trimming mat and I guarantee it won't be as pretty as your first cut and even though it may only be 1/8 inch, you start throwing off your measurements of the opening, etc. If you start out attempting to cut a 15 7/8" x 19 7/8" mat just to fit an unknown frame size, you are more likely to make a mistake with your math and cutting the opening, leading to wasted mat. Why do I say that? 'cause I've done it too many times.... ;-)
Lon