March 17, 2009

The easy way to mat photos

How do you show off a photo? Photographer Pat McNulty shares this simple and safe mounting technique. Choose a mat and frame to enhance the photo or artwork that coordinates with the room where it's placed. For example, black & white photos look great with a thin black frame and a white or gray mat with a black inside border. For sunset pictures, a red frame goes well with a white or cream colored mat with a red inside border. Use only acid-free mat board and 100% rag is best.

Use single-sided acid-free, photo-safe tape to secure picture to back of backboard or foam board. (Tape is shown black for visibility.) Make a T shape from two 2" pieces of tape, joining sticky side to sticky side.

Place picture on backboard facing down. Attach tail of T to top left back of picture. Top of T should be close but not touching edge of picture. Repeat for top right side. Flip picture over and center on back of board. Press lightly in place.

Place mat lightly over picture. With picture centered on inside of mat, firmly press top portions of T shape onto back board.

Grab your best shots and give this project a try!

To see more of the article

How To Frame A Picture Like A Pro