The following is the basic information needed to cut a single mat. Many times artwork is shown to its best advantage in a custom size frame. To cut a custom size mat:

1) Measure the dimensions of the artwork that is to be shown through the mat window. This will give the size of the window area. Usually mat windows are 1/4 inch smaller than the image size of the artwork, to overlap the image by 1/8 inch. Mat windows for signed and numbered prints are cut one to two inches larger than the image size to show the artist's signature and print number. Do not cut artwork down to fit a mat or frame. The mat should overlap all four sides by at least 1/8 inch to prevent the print from popping up through the window.*

There are no standard proportions for mat borders except that they should be wide enough to visually separate the picture from the hard edge of the frame. Mat borders are commonly two to four inches wide. (You may find an L-sizer useful in visualizing different border widths. How to make an L-sizer will be on this page soon.)

2) When border widths have been decided, add them to the mat window dimensions to determine the outside dimensions of the mat. In the example illustration the artwork size is 8"x 9". The artwork size to be seen through the mat window is 7-3/4" x 8-3/4" to allow the mat to overlap the edges of the artwork.

Add two border widths to each dimension of the window area. This equals the mat size. This mat will be cut 12" x 13". Cut the large piece of matboard down to size. (See the Model 90, 4501/4505 instructions or Introduction to Matting book.) Recheck border sizes before cutting. You may be wrong the first time. It happens to all of us.

3) Now that the matboard is cut to size, center and balance the artwork on the BACK of the matboard with equal distances right and left. Offset** the bottom if desired, or make all border widths the same.

4) With Alto's EZ Mat Board Cutters Inc 4501 or 4505, set the dimensioning system at the correct measurements. Mark window cutting guide lines on the back of the matboard with a pencil. The pencil lines should cross at the corners so you can see where to start and stop your cuts. This is a crucial step. Be sure the measurements are correct. Before cutting be sure the blade is sharp and the blade depth is set correctly. The tip of the blade should penetrate through the mat but only scratch the top of the cutting surface.*** Practice on a scrap piece of matboard. The blade is set too deep, or dull if the cutter is difficult to push.

5) Cut the window with Alto's Model 45 cutter. Position the cutter with the tip of the blade slightly before the start line. Pivot the blade completely down and into the matboard. The tip of the blade should enter at the start reference line. Push the cutter forward keeping even pressure down and into the blade. The cut should not require excessive force. Make sure the cutter rides flush against the cutting guide. The cut should feel smooth. Rotate the matboard for the next cut and adjust the dimensioning system if your border widths vary. Repeat until all four cuts are made. After you've made your fourth cut, the window piece should fall freely from the mat. For more detailed information see 4501/4505 Instructions p. 4-7.

_________
*Changes in humidity cause paper to expand and contract.

**Offset (weighing the mat) is when the bottom border is wider than the top, usually by a 1/4 to 1/2 inch. The border widths of the top and two sides should be the same. Offsets are usually made when the artwork will hang higher than eye level.

***The cutting surface is the piece of scrap matboard placed between the mat being cut and the cutting board.