What Is the Best Way to Trim Pictures for Frames?

Sizing the Picture

• When the entire picture does not fit in the frame, you must crop the image. Cutting from only one end of the picture causes an unbalanced look, in most cases. To properly size the image for the frame, remove the glass and mat from the frame. Place the picture, face up, on the table. Lay the mat, if there is one, on the picture and reposition the mat until the picture is framed as you desire. If there is only a piece of protective glass, position the glass over the image until you are satisfied with the picture under the glass. Draw a faint pencil line around the glass to mark where the picture needs cropped.

Mats

• Framing mats come in all sizes and colors. Some are dual-color mats and others may have smaller margins. Consider swapping the mat that came with your frame for a narrower mat so more of the picture is exposed. Select a variety of mats in colors that coordinate with the picture. Place each mat on the picture, in turn, to determine which one works best with the picture you are framing. Mark the picture, where the mat lays, with a pencil.

Tools

• Scissors can work to trim a small amount from a picture that is just slightly larger than the frame. However, scissors bend the outer edges of the picture. For a clean cut, use a straight-edge razor knife or a paper cutter. A paper cutter makes a smooth cut in one motion, resulting in a clean edge on the picture. Often, paper cutters have a ruled guide that ensures a square cut. Most craft stores have inexpensive paper cutters for home use.

Adhesives

• The most frustrating part of framing a picture is when the image slips once the frame is put into place. Avoid having the picture slide around in the frame by using a small dab of rubber cement to adhere the picture to the mat or the frame backing. Lay the cropped picture flat on the table and position the mat over the picture. Gently lift one corner of the mat and apply a small dab of rubber cement to the corner of the picture and the corner of the mat. Press the mat down for a few seconds until the cement bonds. Do this for all four corners. If your picture frame does not have a mat, adhere the cropped picture to the backing that comes with the frame. Lay the backing on the table and cover with the cropped picture. Apply rubber cement to each corner of the picture and the backing. Insert the picture into the frame.