I am wondering about something. If you print a large image for someone to be framed by them, do you print it with a little border around it or edge to edge? What is the usual?
You just need to know that 1/4" of the edge of the print will be covered by either a frame or a mat. I normally don't compensate for this in a print unless there is something important in the image that terminates at the very edge.
Also be resigned to the fact that if you don't give it to them mounted/ matted, they'll probably buy a cheap frame and throw the picture right in there, up against the glass.
If I'm giving someone a print, I try to give them it mounted/ matted to a standard size, in the hope that they'll stick the whole bundle into the frame of their choosing
Question 2: If I should give them mounted/matted, do you make your own mats? If yes, where can I find more info on this? I was told (a long time ago, by a watercolourist) that it is very important to be very picky in matting/framing.
Question 3: Are there standard widths for mats? Or is that up to the individual?
Mats aren't standard really. You get an 11x14 mat to hold an 8x10 print. If you want to cut your own mats, you can get setup to do that for less than $150. Look for the Logan 450 Intermediate mat cutter...
Also be resigned to the fact that if you don't give it to them mounted/ matted, they'll probably buy a cheap frame and throw the picture right in there, up against the glass.
Oh yes, they certainly will. And what a shocking thing to see after the print manages to adhere itself to the glass!
I always leave a border for matting (I usually crop before printing) and, yes, keep in mind the "standard" mat and frame sizings. Most folks don't have enough knowledge about how works, don't want to know, and won't spend the money to do it up "right" in non-standard sizes. So I try keep it as simple as possible.
Allright. Thank you very much, I appreciate the info.
Would any of you know of good info on the net where I can find out all there is to find out about matting, framing and so on? GeneralE would tell me to go do a search, but it's so much easier to just ask. Seriously, I want to read up on it, I'm not planning to jump in there and start matting and framing, or printing all sorts of images, but I want to start knowing about it.
The most important part of matting is to have good equipment(a good cutter with new blades, a solid and stable table to do the cutting on, and some left over matting to use at the cutting surface), a steady eye, and the knowledge that you need to practice to get it right. In otherwords - use some scrap matting to ensure you know your capabilities before you try it on the good stuff.
The right equipment and patience really makes a difference and makes cutting much easier.
If you're mounting your own you can make the matting any size you want or as jmsetzler said they have precut mats in standard sizes. I don't go less than 3" on a side for an 8x10 and add inches as the print gets larger. For example on a 12x18, 5" on a side is about the minimum that looks right to me. I think they tend to look squished in the frame otherwise.
I have a Logan 750. It's a very nice mat cutter. If you're just going to be doing a few mats it's over kill but can save some money in the long run and get exactly the type of matting you want. One thing I didn't consider is where to store the 32x40 sheets of matting. If you have limited storage like me it can be frustrating.
Allright. Thank you very much, I appreciate the info.
Would any of you know of good info on the net where I can find out all there is to find out about matting, framing and so on? GeneralE would tell me to go do a search, but it's so much easier to just ask. Seriously, I want to read up on it, I'm not planning to jump in there and start matting and framing, or printing all sorts of images, but I want to start knowing about it.
It is certainly easier to get someone else to do the searching :)
I have a mat cutter and they are really easy to use after some practice.
Measure twice, cut once is the best advice I have.
Avoid hand cutters without a frame. Not worth the 'saving' you want at least some sort of solid frame to pull the cutter against or it will drive you mad(der).
To me, matting and framing becomes part of the overall presentation of the artwork. I worked part time in a framing shop for about 18 months, and I learned a lot about the processes. Do you have some specific questions that you would like to discuss? I can give you about any information you would want to know on the processes involved as well as some techniques that are quite fun and interesting...
Avoid hand cutters without a frame. Not worth the 'saving' you want at least some sort of solid frame to pull the cutter against or it will drive you mad(der).
I have a hand cutter but it is difficult to use. I get good results, but it's time consuming and easy to botch. I'm planning on building a dedicated table with guides and a solid frame to incorporate my hand cutter into (it's a Logan). It would probably be easier to just spend the extra $$ to get one that already has a solid frame to work with, but I love making extra challenges for myself. ;-)
Avoid hand cutters without a frame. Not worth the 'saving' you want at least some sort of solid frame to pull the cutter against or it will drive you mad(der).
I have a hand cutter but it is difficult to use. I get good results, but it's time consuming and easy to botch. I'm planning on building a dedicated table with guides and a solid frame to incorporate my hand cutter into (it's a Logan). It would probably be easier to just spend the extra $$ to get one that already has a solid frame to work with, but I love making extra challenges for myself. ;-)
I had a hand cutter and got to the point where I could make decent mats. It certainly is possible. But I got fed up and bought a reasonable framed cutter. I can do a much better job in a fraction of the time, compared to using the hand cutter. It is just so much easier - almost no comparison.
Allright. Thank you very much, I appreciate the info.
Would any of you know of good info on the net where I can find out all there is to find out about matting, framing and so on? GeneralE would tell me to go do a search, but it's so much easier to just ask.
I would tell you to contact jmsetzler who was working in a framing shop, but I see he's taken care of that for you ... : )
Also, he posted a couple of threads with extensive information a few months ago -- maybe you could search for those.
Allright. Thank you very much, I appreciate the info.
Would any of you know of good info on the net where I can find out all there is to find out about matting, framing and so on? GeneralE would tell me to go do a search, but it's so much easier to just ask.
I would tell you to contact jmsetzler who was working in a framing shop, but I see he's taken care of that for you ... : )
Also, he posted a couple of threads with extensive information a few months ago -- maybe you could search for those.
I have a printing question, (don't mean to steal the thread).
I shot a portait, but some of them are at ISO 800 with my 350D, would it be good enough quality for a canvas print at 16" x 12"?
