How to Determine Matt Size When Framing a Picture

Framing and matting your own pictures is a lot easier than you might think. You'll save money and be able to create your own custom picture arrangements. The first step is to determine the matting size:
Step by Step:
Step 1. Measure the length and width of your picture.
Step 2. Subtract 1/8 of an inch from length and width. (Picture Window)*
Step 3. Add 3 inches to the length and width (Border Size).**
Step 4. Add the measurements in steps 2 and 3 (Outside Matt Size).***
Modifications:
*If you'd like an artist signature to show, add 1 to 2 inches to the length and width.
**Three-inch matt borders are standard in the framing industry, but borders can vary from 1 to 4 inches. Another
variation is to cut the bottom slightly larger to gepensate for the natural optical illusion of top-heaviness.
***Also provides the size of the mount board, glaze and frame.
For more information on Framing and Matting your own pictures see our Rhapado Quick Refernece on the subject, available in our okay Storealong with laminated guides on over 100 other topics.