How to Make Your Own Picture Matting: A Simple Guide

When it comes to framing your artwork, photos, or posters, picture matting can take your display to the next level. Not only does it protect your artwork, but it also enhances its visual appeal. Here’s a simple guide on how to make your own picture matting using high-quality matboards from Golden State Art.

1. Choose the Right Matboard

The first step in creating your own picture matting is selecting the right matboard. At Golden State Art, we offer a wide range of photo mats in different colors, textures, and sizes to fit any style or need. Whether you’re framing a small photograph or a large poster, our matboards provide the perfect backdrop to elevate your artwork.

You can explore our collection of matboard products here to find the best match for your project.

2. Measure Your Artwork

Before cutting your mat, make sure to measure the size of your artwork. You’ll want the mat to be slightly larger than the artwork itself to create a balanced border around it. Most standard-sized prints fit well with standard mat sizes, but for custom pieces, Golden State Art allows you to customize your mat through our online tool.

Simply visit our matboard customization page and enter your desired dimensions. You can also select the matboard color, thickness, and backing material for a fully tailored frame.

3. Cutting the Matboard

Once you’ve chosen the perfect matboard, it’s time to cut it to size. If you’re new to cutting matboards, don’t worry! Golden State Art’s matboard cutting tools ensure precision, and our pre-cut options are ready to go if you prefer a no-fuss approach. If you're cutting the mat yourself, make sure you have a sharp blade and a steady hand for clean, professional results.

4. Mounting Your Artwork

After cutting your matboard, place your artwork into the center of the mat and secure it with acid-free tape or mounting corners. This will ensure your artwork stays in place without causing damage. You can then insert the matted artwork into your frame and seal it securely.

5. Enjoy Your Custom Framed Artwork

Once everything is set, you can hang your custom-matted artwork with pride. Picture matting not only enhances the aesthetic of your frame but also helps protect your art from dust, moisture, and light exposure.

At Golden State Art, we make it easy to create the perfect frame with our custom matting options. Check out our product builder tool to start designing your ideal mat today.

Final Thoughts

Making your own picture matting is a rewarding process that allows you to fully customize the look of your framed artwork. With the right matboard and tools from Golden State Art, you can create a stunning display that’s both beautiful and protective. Whether you're framing family photos, artwork, or posters, our premium matboards offer the quality and customization you need.