Matting Photographs:

A mat is a coloured cardboard border which is cut to surround a work of art or photograph.  It is generally placed between the image and the frame.  It serves two main purposes.  Firstly, it adds a decorative effect, and secondly, it separates the photograph from the glass. If this is not done, the emulsion of the photograph will stick to the glass and ruin the photograph.  The basic elements of the framing process are shown below.

The outer dimensions of the mat must fit the frame within which it is placed.  Usually mats are cut to conform to standard commercial frame dimensions.  The inner dimensions must slightly overlap the edges of the photograph which is being displayed.  As photograph sizes vary, there is much more flexibility when cutting mat openings.  The distance between the inner and outer dimensions of a mat is known as the margin and is a matter of personal choice.  Usually the margin widths are the same on all four sides and they can vary anywhere from 1 inch to 6 inches depending on image sizes and styles.

Traditionally there were four different styles of matting.

Lately, a fifth matting style is being used more often.

5. Custom Weighted:

When the horizontal and vertical margins of the mat are different widths.  This is sometimes done when an image of a certain aspect ratio (which cannot be cropped as important details of the photograph will be lost) is fitted into a pre-made frame of a different aspect ratio.  As the two aspect ratios don’t match up, a mat opening of unique dimensions must be cut.  If the widths are large the difference between the horizontal and vertical margins is hard to spot.

When deciding which style of mat to use, considerations about cost, frame aspect ratio and the composition of the artwork should all be taken into account.

----

For detailed descriptions of the matting, mounting and framing process please read the following pages:

• Matting and Framing 101 by Dave Bryant
• How to Buy Photo Mats and Mat Board
• Guide to Preservation Matting and Framing by Library of Congress
• Handling and Care of Mats by Carol Brower

For some mat and frame tips and suggestions, please read the following pages:

• Framing Suggestions  by Philip Greenspun
• How to Get the Most from Your Mats

To download a free Adobe Photoshop action that builds mats and frames around any desired image please go to the following page.  This is extremely easy to use and allows you to experiment with different designs, widths and colours.

• RAD Mat & Frames Description & Examples By Ryan DesJardins

Back to Top of Page