How to Mat an Oil Painting

A mat board is used to separate the oil painting from its frame as a form of both a protectant and also, a cosmetic feature, adding contrast to the painting and the frame. You can have mat boards professionally cut, but this can be costly. If you have a mat cutter, ruler, pencil and mat board, you can cut the mat board yourself and customize it to suit your needs and wants.

Oil painting frame
Mat board
Mat cutter
Ruler
Pencil

Instructions

- 1
  Cut the mat board with your mat cutter to the dimensions of the frame so that it fits securely inside the oil painting frame. Keep the sides of the mat at two inches.
- 2
  Measure the dimensions you need to leave a box in the middle of the mat board with a ruler to display the oil painting. Place markings on the back of the mat board to know where to cut.
- 3
  Cut the mat board with the mat cutter at the locations of your markings. Use the mat cutter's blade to ensure all corners are evenly cut.

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