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+--- Thread: Anybody here know anything about making your own photo mats? (/showthread.php?tid=37251)
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Anybody here know anything about making your own photo mats? - AlphaDog - 07-27-2007
I'm interested in doing this, since I have a lot of old photos that I'd like to mat and frame. I did a Google search, but I see that there's a very wide range of quality/price. What does a person look for in a cutting system? I sure don't want or need anything at a professional level, but I would like to find something that would let me make customized mats for collages. I obviously don't know enough about the subject to be able to figure out which cutting systems are capable of what I'd like to do.
If anybody can help me out, I'd really appreciate it, either on the forum or via PM. Thanks!
Re: Anybody here know anything about making your own photo mats? - Don Kiyoti - 07-27-2007
Unless you want beveled mats, a steel ruler and a mat knife and practice are what you want. Make sure your blade is sharp. Change blades often. Let the knife do the work; do not try to cut all the way through the board in one pass.
Do you have a table or desk with a straight (really straight edge)? If so get a t-square and tape your board down with low-tack drafting tape. Mark your openings lightly with a sharp pencil. Really, a trip to an art supply store that sells drafting stuff is in order. Get a white plastic eraser to clean up your pencil marks, and a drafting triangle too.
But I'm guessing you want beveled mats. The Dexter mat cutter is the classic. It takes some practice to get right.
Re: Anybody here know anything about making your own photo mats? - AlphaDog - 07-27-2007
Thanks DK. I think I'll do some dry runs using the steel ruler and mat knife first. I did more searching, and I think my sights are set too high for this DIY project. I was curious about what would cut ovals and circles, so I did more searching. For the price, it looks like I could have a whole lot of them done at a framing shop. Practice on plain squares and rectangles sounds like a good place to start. I do have a great work surface with 90 degree corners, and I also already have a steel ruler that I use with my cutting wheels.
Re: Anybody here know anything about making your own photo mats? - rgG - 07-27-2007
You can't know how much I hated cutting mats in college. Being a Graphic Design major, I had to cut a lot of them, too.
Re: Anybody here know anything about making your own photo mats? - AlphaDog - 07-27-2007
[quote rgG]You can't know how much I hated cutting mats in college. Being a Graphic Design major, I had to cut a lot of them, too.
I'm sorry. You must be very experienced, though; would you do a few for me?!
Re: Anybody here know anything about making your own photo mats? - lafinfil - 07-27-2007
I cut more than my share in the past and it is something I gladly will pay for
A straight edge and knife is OK for a few butI was never really happy with the results
plus I really like a nice bevel cut for a professional look
I used a Logan system for many years and it worked very well - it clamped the matt board down
and it had a nice guide to keep cuts square and straight.
I had one of the bigger ones (42" I think) it was about $500 back then - but you can get their
smaller units for a little over $80 to $150 http://www.framing4yourself.com/equipment-supplies/mat-cutting-boardmount.htm
If you are going to cut a lot of them it's worth it
Also like DK said - lots of blades - I used one blade for each matt - hate a ragged edge
Re: Anybody here know anything about making your own photo mats? - birdmanjeff - 07-28-2007
I have a Logan mat cutter does both bevel and straight cuts, Not cheap but not that expensive either. The bevel looks better but it does take some practice. I have done tripple mats and collage frame mats no problem but it is alot of work and you must always measure twice and cut once.
one last thing buy extra mat board and keep your scrap it may be useful in a smaller frame.
Re: Anybody here know anything about making your own photo mats? - rgG - 07-28-2007
[quote AlphaDog][quote rgG]You can't know how much I hated cutting mats in college. Being a Graphic Design major, I had to cut a lot of them, too.
I'm sorry. You must be very experienced, though; would you do a few for me?!
Experienced, maybe; skilled, not hardly.
Re: Anybody here know anything about making your own photo mats? - AlphaDog - 07-28-2007
I amaze myself when I realize how I can take a simple project and turn it into a major production. I gave more thought to cutting my own, and I'll want beveled cuts. I just know me. I think, from an economy standpoint, I'll be best off to look for pre-made mats. If I decide to try DIY, I think I'll invest in something that will do circles and ovals. Those, I notice, are the hardest to find. I didn't intend to develop another expensive hobby, and I can see where that's what might happen too quickly and easily.
Hey Birdmanjeff - I don't remember noticing little Rainier before. He's a festive little guy! Does he ever get lost in the Christmas tree?
He's very cute, and, unlike puppies, I don't happen to think every bird I see is cute.
Re: Anybody here know anything about making your own photo mats? - birdmanjeff - 07-28-2007
Hey Birdmanjeff - I don't remember noticing little Rainier before. He's a festive little guy! Does he ever get lost in the Christmas tree?
He's very cute, and, unlike puppies, I don't happen to think every bird I see is cute.
I am very proud of him actually. He is an Abysinnian Love Bird. I was part of a cooperative breeding program certified by US fish and wildlife to import normal (wild colored) birds that were bred in captivity in Europe. His parents are from Belgium. It was one of only three successful (means made more babies than were imported) coops ever for parrots.
He is very cool (a little tame but ignores me mostly) has a wife named Grace and has had three babies of his own. Now that you mention it he would look cool in am Xmas tree photo for our next calender, great idea.
Wish I could be more involved here but work, home and pets are keeping me busy. Thanks for the chance to give a little input.