Last Updated on September 16, 2022
Cutting picture mounts is an easy task if you know the correct techniques. The key to a perfectly cut picture mount is to ensure the center falls away when the blade is removed and that there are no visible over cuts. A properly cut picture mount will also have the entry and exit points of the blade lined up correctly when seen from the front. To achieve the perfect cut, you should use accurate offset calculations and evenly distribute your hand pressure while cutting. Any deviations from the rules described above will result in over-cut picture mounts.
Grid lines on mat help you control speed of cut
Cutting mats come in various sizes and the measurement will depend on the type of sewing you will be doing. Some quilters work in inches while others use metric measurements. In any case, you will find a measuring guide on a mat that will help you with common measurements. A good mat will also come with a grid line to guide you in setting the speed of cut. However, if you are not sure which one to buy, you can check out this guide:
It is always best to purchase a cutting mat with grid lines. If possible, buy one with angle lines as well. There are some mats with grid lines on both sides, while some have them only on the front. The difference in colors is especially useful if you are cutting light or dark fabrics. The color and markings on a mat are also important for different fabrics, so you should check whether the mat is light or dark before you cut.
Changing gridlines on your canvas is easy as well. To change them, just click on the corner square next to the zero mark. This will make all the smaller grid lines disappear and reset all the gridlines to the beginning. You can even change the gridlines by right clicking on the image you want to cut. Then, click continue. If you want to cut different layers, you can change the settings in the same manner.
The first cut is important to square up the fabric and make sure that the fold is aligned with the horizontal grid line on the mat. Once you’ve got it squared, you can then use your ruler to square the fabric and straighten out the raw edge. It’s also important to place your fabric with its fold side down on the mat. The fold should not distort the edges. It’s also helpful to place your fabric on a flat surface so that it won’t get distorted during the cut process.
Buying a ruler or T-square
When you’re cutting picture mount card, a ruler or T-square is essential to ensure accuracy. There are many types of rulers and squares on the market, but the most essential one is the T-square. Engineers and architects swear by their T-squares. They’re a reliable tool for technical people and they’re essential when drawing anything. But how can you be sure that you’re using one correctly?
The first thing you should look for when buying a T-square is the accuracy of the graduations. Make sure you find a good-quality one with clear graduations. Poor-quality dimensional accuracy can cause problems later on. A good-quality T-square should have very prominent graduations, and its bevels should be clean, so there are no parallax errors.
Next, you should mark the mat where you want to cut it. Use a T-square or a ruler with thick metal to create grid lines on the mat. This will give you a dotted line to cut along without damaging the mat with the cutting tool. After that, you can use your ruler to cut the mat to the desired size. You can then use the ruler or T-square to measure the width of the mat and make sure it’s centered in the frame.
One of the most important factors to consider when buying a ruler or T-square to cut your picture mount card is quality. A good quality product will last for a long time. And you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a quality one. If you have a budget, you can choose a plastic T-square instead. This type of ruler is also more affordable than a metal one.
Using a CNC mount cutter
If you are a professional picture framer, you probably want a high quality machine that cuts picture mounts without causing too much waste. In addition, you want a CNC mount cutter that makes a perfect cut every time – which isn’t easy to do if you don’t know how to use one! CNC mount cutters are designed to make accurate cuts in one pass, so you don’t have to spend hours measuring and adjusting. You should be able to cut a mount with just a few minutes and no more than a few sheets, so you don’t have to worry about overcutting.
You may want to use a mat with grid lines, which makes cutting straighter and easier. A long metal or builder’s ruler is also useful. You can also use the grid lines on your mat instead of marking the measurements on the back of the mount board. However, if you’re using a CNC mount cutter for cutting photo frames, it’s essential that you have a straight edged ruler.
Choosing coloured mats
When cutting out mats for your artwork, there are some general guidelines that you should follow. Choose a colour that complements the main colour of your artwork. If you are framing a piece of artwork as a gift, neutral colours are the best choice. Don’t worry if your mats don’t match exactly – there’s always a learning curve involved. Depending on the artwork you choose, you can opt for a double mat, an oval mat or a circular mat. Some mats are offset, circular, or offset and some have a “V” groove.
When choosing a coloured mat, try to think about the overall colour scheme of your artwork. Whichever colors dominate the artwork, you should choose mats that match those hues. You should also look out for colors that contrast with the dominant colour, such as light and dark blue. A dark colour will highlight the brighter parts of your artwork, while a light-coloured mat will make it appear dull.
When choosing a coloured mat, remember that colour does not have to be the same as the painting itself. Instead, pick a mat that matches the image and its frame. Choose a mat that doesn’t distract the viewer’s eye from the image. For example, a light colour will suit a black & white photo, whereas a dark one will make the picture appear flat.
Another important consideration when choosing a colour is the size of the image. Generally, the image should be about four inches wide. However, if it is a landscape image, the size of the frame should be four inches larger. For example, a framed picture of a lighthouse may be best displayed with a mat that is two inches wider than the image. Therefore, a wider picture mount will make the image look larger.
White is the most common colour for a mat. However, this colour is much wider than most people realise. In fact, white is a family of dozens of different tints. Mats in the white family also have names such as Soft White, Crystal, Digital, Bright White and Chalk. However, when it comes to white, there is no single right colour, and it is always best to choose the one that complements the artwork the best.
About The Author
Mindy Vu is a part time shoe model and professional mum. She loves to cook and has been proclaimed the best cook in the world by her friends and family. She adores her pet dog Twinkie, and is happily married to her books.