How To Make A Picture Matte

Instead match it to the photo itself.

How to make a picture matte.

Create something that s visually alluring by matching the color of the mat to a color in the background of the photo. I used masking tape for this. Here the image is cut apart each section mounted on 1 4 foam board and individual mats cut around each section. Attach mat to artwork.

Take a small piece of artist s tape and press it on your jeans or shirt first adding lint to the tape will remove most of the stickiness and prevent it from ripping your mat or paper when removed then put the tape on the mat and image to hold them in place. This helps to make the texture of the image more pronounced and makes the paper ideal for highly detailed photos such as shots of buildings. Avoid picking a mat color based on the room where the picture will be hung. You may need a second piece of tape at the top of the art and mat.

Do not let the exposed tape touch the mat until you have decided placement. You have some art all cut and matted by you. I have used the white side of whatever was in the frame and taped photos to it before only to have the glossy back before they offered matte finish photo stick to the glass. Once you ve lined up both mats and made sure the picture is centered take small strips of artist s tape and lightly stick the mat halves together.

If an image has a strong element that is receding such as the river sweeping off into the distance in sisley s road to hampton court a darker mat perhaps one that ties into the dark green of the trees along the bank in the background helps to enhance it. The only problem i have with this method is that i live in a high humidity area. Add elegance and protection when framing photos or artwork by adding a frame mat in a complementary color. Often used by professionals matte photo paper is free of shine resulting in more muted colors.

Choose a colored mat to complement the picture you want to frame. Then you tape your art photo to the back of the mat making sure your piece is centered in the mat as you want it. Turn the page picture side up and hold the pre cut mat over the page to decide where you want the image in the opening. Something with a medium tack works well and you can always switch out the art.

Place the picture against the backing mat and then center the window frame mat over it. Which of course ruined the photo. Beginning with a turquoise mat add 1 2 foam board on top and end with the addition of a white mat on top of the foam board.