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01/31/2006 07:47:36 PM · #1 |
Does anyone know of a simple and easily followed tutorial on matting photos?
I've searched on google and other places but the diagrams or explanations given on the sites all assume I have certain supplies (which I don't, I'll be using pre-cut stuff and going as cheaply as I can) and frankly just don't make sense to me.
An example.. one tutorial suggested using photo sleeves so you don't actually stick the photo to the backboard.. so.. do the sleeves come with an adhesive? Do you stick those with a special glue?
Others have mentioned hinges and I'm thinking, wha? hinges? Isn't that going to make the whole thing super fat so it won't fit in a frame? I guess I'm mostly having a difficult time visualizing how everything layers and how its made to "stick" together.
Yes, I'm seriously that remedial where matting is concerned.
I probably need to actually watch it being done but so far none of the places in my area I've asked actually give matting classes and money is tight so I have to limit myself to free or very cheap if I manage to find one.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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01/31/2006 07:51:09 PM · #2 |
| Hey... FYI. if you buy a matte cutter many of them come with a video. Even inf you return the matte cutter after watching the video. What exactly do you want to know? How to center the image? How to actually cut the matte?? |
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01/31/2006 07:56:27 PM · #3 |
I already know I won't be cutting mat board, I'm simply going to buy it pre-cut to the sizes I need.
I know how to center it, that part doesn't seem that difficult.. my problem is how do I use these weird things people are suggesting so that my photograph is "floating" and not actually stuck down so that the mat can be switched or whatever. Most of the tutorials I've read indicate I should NOT glue it down to a backboard or mat board and that makes sense.. I just don't know then how to make it all fit together if its not actually stuck to something. How the heck does it float if there's stuff on top of it?
I figure if you're using photo sleeves that helps attach it to a backboard but isn't the top mat stuff still going to touch and cause a potential problem?
If I use hinges, how the heck does that all work? Hinges in my mind are clunky and big, how can a hinged (and no my mind still isn't wrapped around that concept) photograph manage to fit in a frame?
Clearly I have matting issues.. heh.
- Sia
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02/02/2006 12:02:42 PM · #4 |
I am slightly confused aout what you wish to accomplish. All that you want to do is matte an image without haveing it glued down? A little trick I use is Scotch tape. I tape the back of the image to the matte. It always peels off of te image and if the matt back gets messed up it's not realy a big deal. You could also try rubber cement.. That can usually be peeled off with the use of heat or some water often years after it has been aplied. That might be abit more risky. BUt I lik the tape method. It has to be scotch tape though.. ot the No frills brand. If this is no help to oyu at all maybe you can explain what you are trying to accomplish a little more effectivley. I might be able to help.
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02/02/2006 12:03:00 PM · #5 |
I am slightly confused aout what you wish to accomplish. All that you want to do is matte an image without haveing it glued down? A little trick I use is Scotch tape. I tape the back of the image to the matte. It always peels off of te image and if the matt back gets messed up it's not realy a big deal. You could also try rubber cement.. That can usually be peeled off with the use of heat or some water often years after it has been aplied. That might be abit more risky. BUt I lik the tape method. It has to be scotch tape though.. ot the No frills brand. If this is no help to oyu at all maybe you can explain what you are trying to accomplish a little more effectivley. I might be able to help.
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02/02/2006 12:32:59 PM · #6 |
Photo corners may work if they're hidden by the matte. You can get clear ones.
Message edited by author 2006-02-02 12:33:19. |
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02/02/2006 12:34:39 PM · #7 |
I have read my brains out on correct framing and matting techniques, and really, to get good results, keep it simple. My simple method with pre-cut mats:
Apply 3 pieces of tape, about 1-2 inches long across the top of the photo. Apply the tape to the back of the photo so that when you are looking at the photo, the sticky side of the tape is facing you. I used to use Scotch's invisible tape, but now I use white acid free artist tape. You can get the white artist tape in any artist supply store.
Affix the photo to the back of the mat. Ensure that the photo is properly centered in the mat opening before you press the tape into place on the back of the mat.
If you are framing, put the mat and photo into the frame.
Lay backing board (I use foamboard) on top of the photo and mat, and secure it.
I then affix brown kraft paper across the back of the frame as a dust cover, to give it that "framed professionally by a framing shop" look, and then add the hanging wire. This is assuming that you never plan to swap the photo inside the frame with another.
Note: Do not apply tape to the sides or bottom of the photo. As humidity conditions change, I have observed slight warping or wrinkling of the photo to occur (indicating some stretching in one direction or another). Leaving the sides and bottom free allows the photo to adjust to humidity conditions without damage.
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02/02/2006 12:42:29 PM · #8 |
To answer your question about hinges. Hinging is just a term that refers to the method in which the tape is applied. Actually, it's possible that special materials are used to create the hinges - especially if all of the materials are archival quality.
Here's a link that might help (Adobe Reader required):
Notes on hinging
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02/02/2006 12:49:39 PM · #9 |
Here's a tutorial on matting prints.
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