I've always had a heck of a time matting. When I print prints I often use a frame with several 6X4s or 5x7s in it. Because I can buy frames with precut mats for those sizes in them.
But I do like printing up larger pictures, in which case I have to cut my own mats. (Because I print full frame and don't want 8X10s.) It's easy to cut out the external size of the mat. But I run into all kinds of problems cutting out the internal rectangle. Corners that are sort of hacked out, one end sliced slightly longer than the other, so the corner looks crude, bevels that are ragged, etc. I have clamps, I have a good cutter, I have a good ruler, I even have an older mat cutter with the ruler build-in. I never have a really good surface to cut mats on, though. I have an old piece of plywood that works somewhat. I put it on the floor. Any tips anyone has about how to cut the internal rectangle on a mat (neatly) would be greatly appreciated. Anything that works for you. Other than buying them. :-) I am going to try this again and again and again until I finally get better at it. Sigh. I realize this is a physical activity hard to describe in words, so links are good too. Marnie aka Doe
