Tips on Framing Page 2

TIP 5 - MEASURE MATTE WINDOW ...........................................................................................................................................First measure the artwork, either of two ways: 1. Subtract 1/2 inch from each dimension length and width, or 2. if you are overlapping the artwork with more than 1/4 inch, measure exactly where, on artwork, and measure this length and width. Write these numbers on a notepad. Subtract the window width from the matte board width and divide by two. This becomes the width margin on the matte. Do the same for the length, subtract the window length from the matte board length and divide by 2. Mark your matte board with these distances, lightly with a sharp pencil -ON TOP OF THE MATTE BOARD. [This is the side you want to cut through. The reason is, that the top edge will be the CLEANEST edge that you cut]. You only need to mark each corner of the window. HERE IS A PROFESSIONAL AND VISUAL DESIGN TIP. You can and should have the bottom margin of the matte board window be 1/4 to 3/8 inch wider than the top, left and right margins. It is visually pleasing to the eye and will "look" more correct. You can figure the math easily, I know you can.

Tip 6 - 1st window cut

It does not matter whether you cut the length or width first. What does matter is which "side" of the window to cut first. Cut the left side, either length or width. Align your aluminum ruler on the penciled corners of the window. Cut always the left edge. This lets you see the corner mark where to stop your knife, without having to lift the ruler. Again draw down lightly. Once you score it lightly, this scoring now, to some degree, will guide the knife edge also.

2nd Cut + of Matte Window

Make sure this cut is through, then Rotate the matte board counter clockwise, and cut this left edge. Repeat this with remaining two sides of the window. There will be a slight matte board connection remaining in each corner. From the top right corner, place your knife tip into the corner, vertical side, and press straight down with the tip of the blade. This will cut through the corner completely and cleanly. It may lift up and out as you lift your blade. Rotate and do this on the remaining three corners. Erase lightly, any pencil marks at corners or along the window edges.

Tip 7 - Taping Artwork

Flip matte over and place artwork down over the window and adjust where you want, with 1/4 to 1/2 overlapping. In the end this overlapping distance doesn't matter. Tape it down with masking tape, all the way around. Do not leave any edge of the art work un-taped. Then tape again, over the edge of the first tape all the way around.

Tip 8 - Frame

Assemble the frame together in three sections only. [If there are wire holders to install, slide those into the rear rail of those sections first]. Tighten with a screwdriver the three corners.