Matting Your Picture

• 1). Measure the full size of your picture frame carefully by measuring the back of the frame. You must have an exact measurement of your frame in order to know what size to cut your mat.
  
  
• 2). Using your ruler, also take careful measurements of the picture or image to be matted within the frame, measuring 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch into the picture on all sides. These measurements should be the amount of picture you want covered by the mat. Conversely, if you want to leave a slight border of white space around the picture, add that to your measurement.
  
  
• 3). Draw the exact dimensions of the frame's outer measurements on one of your two pieces of mat board, using the ruler and T-square to ensure that your edges are straight and perfect.
  
  
• 4). Cut out both mats to frame size using a utility knife for precision. Do all your cutting from the back of the mat.
  
  
• 5). Center your picture on the front of the back mat, using your T-square to ensure that your image to be matted is precisely centered. Double-check the precise size of the "window" of your front mat by measuring from all four edges around the picture from the back mat edge into the picture itself.
  
  
• 6). Turn your front mat over so that you are looking at the back. Use your ruler to measure the mat horizontally and vertically, and then mark the very center of the mat with your pencil.
  
  
• 7). Lightly mark your measurements for the front mat window on the back of the front mat. Your mat border size is traditionally no more than 2 1/2 inches.
  
  
• 8). Cut out the front window, using a straight edge and utility knife or mat cutter.
  
  
• 9). Place the front mat over the centered picture on the back mat. The picture should appear centered and neatly matted within the frame.
  
  
• 10
  
  Put the matted picture into the picture frame, then fasten or secure them into the frame.