How to Cut Mat Board

There’s a reason why nearly every American home is adorned with family pictures and photographs. It’s because every photograph tells a story. Whether it be sad or joyful, framed pictures have a way of capturing a moment in time. 

However, for a picture to look its best, it must be framed the right way. This is where knowing the crucial steps of cutting mat board come into play. If you’re wondering how to cut mat board properly, then you’ve come to the right place.

Read on to learn everything there is to know about mat board. 

What Is Mat Board? 

Before we inform you of the proper methods for cutting mat board, you first need to have a thorough understanding of what mat board is and what it’s made of.

Essentially, mat board is a heavy material—similar to cardboard—that’s made from cotton and gives the picture its finished look. Most of the time, when you pay to have a picture professionally framed so that you can display it in your home, the mat board will be included in the price by the framers during the process. 

How to Cut Mat Board the Right Way

There are not only multiple ways to cut mat board the wrong way, but there are also ways to cut it the right way. However, it depends on what kind of tool you’re using to cut the mat board. 

Below, we have provided a short list of three different cutting tools often used in the mat board cutting process. Each of these tools is either available at your local department store or online should you decide to pick one up.

• Exacto knife
• Paper cutter
• Utility knife

Of these three tools, the Exacto knife is by far the most popular due to its extremely sharp edge. 

The steps to cutting the mat board are as follows: 

• Put the mat board on a sturdy surface
• Trace the inner side with a ruler
• Mark the measured sides with a pencil
• Gently cut the mat board with the knife
• Lightly pull the board and run over the groove again with the knife

We recommend that you try both the Exacto knife and the utility knife before attempting to cut it with the paper cutter. This is because paper cutters are very large and you could easily mess up and ruin your expensive mat board. 

Where Can I Find Mat Board Tools? 

First, you’ll need to read a mat board buying guide. Next, you could send the photo to professional framers and they will do the work. Or, it’s also available at multiple stores if you want to do the framing yourself. However, to do so, you will need a trusted matting show kit. 

Get Your Mat Board Today

Well, there you have it. We have told you everything you need to know about how to cut mat board the right way in case you want to do it yourself. If not, send the photograph to professional framers. 

Before you attempt doing it yourself, though, you need to get the mat board and show kit. What are you waiting for? Purchase them today. 

To learn more helpful information, read our other blog posts as well.