FEATURED IDEA
Framing with Multiple Mat Colors

With so many mat color choices available why limit yourself to one or two? Simply follow our easy step-by-step instructions and we'll show you how to use five colors on a single piece of artwork.

Do-it-yourself Rating: Intermediate

 

Begin by selecting your mats. For our project we framed a children's décor print using primary colors – Rouge, Canary, Laurel and Cerulean - and topped it all off with our whimsical Celebration mat from Crescent. The Mosaic Blue frame is from our new Colorcast collection.

 

Consider the possibilities – maybe a series of four botanicals or a grouping of black and white photographs. By framing a series of four prints, you'll be able to use all four sections of your mat cuts . . . and when selecting your frames think about ordering the same profile but in four different colors. You can mix the frame pieces to have a different color on each side of the frame.

For more on Measuring for a Mat Click Here.

 

 



Materials:
- 17-1/2 x 13-1/2 Frame Colorcast CC217 Mosaic Blue
- 17-1/2 x 13-1/2 Mat 762 Rouge with 2 3/4” Border
- 17-1/2 x 13-1/2 Mat 47R Canary with 2 3/4” Border
- 17-1/2 x 13-1/2 Mat 865 Laurel with 2 3/4” Border
- 17-1/2 x 13-1/2 Mat 742 Cerulean with 2 3/4” Border
- 17-1/2 x 13-1/2 Mat CPL96 Celebration with 2 3/8” Border
- 17-1/2 x 13-1/2 Plexi-glass
- 17-1/2 x 13-1/2 Foam Core Mounting Board


You will also need:
- Filmoplast SH Archival linen tape
- a regular screwdriver
- adhesive transfer tape
- utility knife & straight edge


Let's Get Started!


STEP 1
Prepare the mats.

With a utility knife and straight edge cut each of your four different colored mats from the inside corner to the outside corner – a true 45 degree angle. It's important to use a new blade in your utility knife so that you get a crisp clean cut on your mats.

Remember to protect the surface of your work area when cutting your mats. We used our 18 x 24 Cutting Base. CLICK HERE for more information.

Carefully align the cut sides of your mat sections and on the backside secure them with our Filmoplast SH Archival linen tape.

Attach your top mat to the bottom mat using adhesive transfer tape.This step will help to stabilize your pieced mat.

 

 

 


STEP 2
Secure the artwork.

Center and hinge your artwork in the window of your bottom mat using Filmoplast SH Archival linen tape.

Click here to learn more about hinging techniques.

 


STEP 3
Prepare the Plexiglas.

Peel off one side of the protective paper on the Plexi-glass. Place the exposed side of the Plexi-glass down on the mat with your artwork attached. Peel off the remaining paper.

 

 


STEP 4
Assemble the frame and insert the artwork.

Carefully lay the frame facedown on a clean work surface. Assemble three sides of the metal frame, (both sides and top). Insert your Plexi-glass and mats with the artwork attached. Place your mounting board (foam core) into the frame and attach the bottom or last piece of the frame.

Tighten the corner brackets and insert Spring Clips between the frame and mounting board if needed. Affix the corner protectors and you’re all set.

Our SpringMate makes inserting spring clips quick and easy.

Need a SpringMate?

 


STEP 5
Finishing touches!

Secure the hanging hardware with a flat head screwdriver. Now you are ready to display your whimsical matting talents to add color to a room or impress friends

 

 

Finished Piece:

 

Click Here for Framing Ideas

Click Here to go to our Home Page