DIY Matboard Cutting: Steps to Measure, Cut, and Customize at Home

Creating a custom framing experience for your artwork or images adds a personal touch and elevates their presentation. One essential element of custom framing is the matboard, which enhances the aesthetic appeal of your piece while providing practical benefits. In this blog post, we will delve into the world of DIY matboard cutting, exploring the materials, tools, steps to measure and cut, and the advantages of adding a matboard to your framed art or images.

Why Add a Matboard to Your Frame?

A mat board is a thick, flat board typically made of paper-based or archival materials that sit between your artwork and the frame. Our matboards are 4-ply and 8-ply thick and come in a variety of colors to fit your needs. We also offer mats with different textures, like suede, basketball and football. Here are a few reasons why adding a matboard is beneficial:

1. Visual Enhancement: Matboards create a visual separation between the artwork and the frame, adding depth and dimension to the overall presentation. They provide a clean, professional look that draws attention to the artwork and enhances its visual impact.

2. Protection: Matboards serve as a protective barrier between the artwork and the glass or acrylic of the frame. They help prevent direct contact, reducing the risk of smudging, sticking, or damage caused by condensation or humidity.

3. Preservation: When using acid-free and archival-quality matboards, you provide an extra layer of protection against deterioration and discoloration. Matboards with alkaline or pH-neutral properties can help safeguard your artwork for years to come.

Materials and Tools Needed for DIY Matboard Cutting:

To create custom matboards at home, gather the following materials and tools:

1. Matboard: Select a high-quality matboard in a color and thickness that complements your artwork and frame. Acid-free and archival options are recommended for long-term preservation.

2. Cutting Tools: Invest in a matboard cutter or a mat knife with replaceable blades. These tools are designed to provide precise cuts and clean edges. A metal ruler or straight edge will assist in creating straight lines.

3. Cutting Surface: Use a self-healing cutting mat or a piece of scrap cardboard as a cutting surface to protect your working area and ensure smooth cutting motions.

4. Measuring Tools: Use a tape measure or ruler to measure the dimensions of your artwork and determine the desired matboard size and borders.

5. Pencil and Eraser: Mark measurements and guidelines on the matboard using a pencil. An eraser will come in handy for any adjustments or corrections.

Steps to Measure and Cut an Uncut Matboard:

1. Measure Artwork: Measure the width and height of your artwork. Add an extra margin to determine the desired matboard size. Typically, a 2-3 in. border on all sides works well, but you can adjust based on your preference.

2. Mark Guidelines: On the back of the matboard, use a pencil and ruler to mark the dimensions of the desired mat size. Create straight lines to guide your cutting.

3. Cut Excess Matboard: Using a matboard cutter or mat knife, align the ruler along the marked lines and make a light cut along one edge. Repeat this process for all sides, gradually increasing the pressure to ensure a clean, straight cut.

4. Test Fit: Place your artwork on the cut matboard to ensure it fits correctly. Adjust the openings if necessary, ensuring the artwork is centered.

5. Finalize and Assemble: Once the matboard fits perfectly, remove any pencil marks and clean the surface. Insert the artwork into the matboard, and then place the matboard into the frame, ensuring it is secure and centered.

Benefits of DIY Matboard Cutting:

Cutting your own matboards offers a multitude of benefits that go beyond simply framing your artwork. From customization to cost-effectiveness, creative expression, and the opportunity for a valuable learning experience, cutting your matboard allows you to control the framing process completely. Also, opting for DIY matboard cutting can be a budget-friendly alternative to professional framing services, as matboard sheets are available in various sizes and are often more affordable than pre-cut options. 

1. Customization: Cutting your own mat board allows full control over the size, shape, and color. Create a custom frame that perfectly suits your artwork and personal style.

2. Cost-Effectiveness: DIY matboard cutting can be a budget-friendly alternative to professional framing services. Matboard sheets are available in various sizes and can be more affordable than pre-cut options.

3. Creative Expression: Cutting your own matboards provides an opportunity for artistic expression. Experiment with different mat colors, textures, and layering techniques to add unique visual effects and make your artwork stand out.

4. Learning Experience: Engaging in DIY matboard cutting allows you to develop new skills and better understand the framing process. It can be a fulfilling and educational project that enhances your appreciation for art presentations.

Creating custom matboards at home is a rewarding project that allows you to personalize your framing experience and elevate the display of your artwork or images. Adding a matboard enhances the visual appeal while providing protection and preservation benefits. With the right materials and tools and following the steps to measure and cut, you can achieve precise cuts and create a custom matboard that perfectly complements your artwork and frame. Embrace the creative and cost-effective advantages of DIY matboard cutting, and enjoy seeing your art beautifully framed in your unique style.

About The Author

Brittany DeMauro is the Creative Director here at CustomPictureFrames.com. With a background in creative writing and a passion for all things DIY, you'll find her in the shop crafting content. She can always find space for a fun gallery wall and loves discovering new artists to display around her home (in custom frames, of course!) When she's not creating content for our brand, she can most likely be found binging shows on Netflix with her two cats.