Tips For Selecting The Best Mat Board

Creating the best display for your photographs really hinges upon an accurately measured mat board. In fact, a photograph’s placement in the frame as well as the overall visual effect actually depends upon well-selected, properly cut matting supplies. The correct choice of matting makes all the difference whether ready made photo frames or custom picture frames are used.

Given how important matting supplies are in framing, the $64K question is, how do you select the best mat board for use with your photo?

Steps for selecting matting

1. Start with your photograph – Since your photo is meant to be the centerpiece of the project, it’s always wise to measure its dimensions before considering any mat board or frame. If you plan to crop the photo at all, be sure to measure accordingly.
2. Locate matting with complimentary interior dimensions – For the best results, you want to find matting supplies that are one quarter to one half an inch less smaller than the dimensions of your photo. For an 18 x 15 photo, for instance, a mat board with 17 ½ x 14 ½ for interior dimensions would work well. The correct interior measurements in your matting ensure the photo can be properly secured and properly showcased.
3. Select matting with the desired exterior dimensions – The best width of matting to use really depends upon the framing you have chosen. When coordinating mat boards with custom picture frames, for instance, look for dimensions in both that will work together. A wider mat will be needed to place a considerably smaller photo in a large frame, for example.
4. Consider the mounting - If a frame will not be used, the matting dimensions must work with the dimensions of your photo mount board. In fact, it’s wise to use a Foamcore mount board as the primary backing in this case. Foamcore mount boards are sturdy enough to provide the necessary support for the photo as well as the mat. In this case, the external size of the matting and Foamcore mount board dimensions must work together

Alternatives to framing

Matting can still be a consideration even if you prefer not to frame or display a photo. Even images kept in a photo storage box for safekeeping can benefit from using matting. In fact, they are better protected when stored in this manner. Photos encased in a mat and backing will not stick together over time, so there is less risk of loosing precious your precious shots when stored.

By: Susan Slobac

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Susan Slobac is an avid photographer. Susan believes a picture frame is more than just fashion; it's a safeguard for something you love.