Mat Calculations

STANDARD PRESENTATION  | Overmount  | Float

This is the classic mat that comes over the artwork.

Measuring
The first step is to measure the amount of the artwork you want to show.
Be sure and measure in at least 1/8″ from each edge (on larger pictures
we recommend a minimum 1/4″). This measurement becomes the inside dimension
of your mat.

Border Size
Then determine the size of border you want on your mat. Generally, as the
size of the mat increases, the size of the mat border increases, too. We
seldom recommend mat borders less than 2″. Sizes ranging from 16 x
20 and up generally get 2 1/2″ – 5″ borders. Traditionally, mat
borders are equal on the top and sides and 1/2″ – 1″ extra on
the bottom border. Visually this seems to make the mat borders look even.
However, many artists prefer to make all borders even so they can use and
reuse the mats on either horizontal or vertical pictures.

OVERMOUNT PRESENTATION  | Float  | Standard

This is used when the artwork is placed on top of the matboard.

Measuring
Overmount presentations are used when you want the viewer to see the edges
of the art. Because there is no mat to separate the glazing from the artwork
a spacer should be used. Be sure and measure from edge to edge (if the image
is out of square, measure from the widest and longest point).

Border Size
Generally, smaller borders are used on overmount presentations than on mats
or floats. Sizes generally range from 1/2″ on smaller pictures to 1
to 1 1/2″ on larger pictures.

FLOAT PRESENTATION  | Standard  | Overmount

This is combination of an overmount and a mat.

Measuring
The first step is to measure the the artwork from edge to edge (if the image
is out of square, measure from the widest and longest point).

Border Size Float and Mat
Then determine how much of a float you want around the artwork before
the mat starts (1/4″ on smaller pictures and 1/2″ on larger pictures
is often used). Then determine the size of border you want on your mat.
Generally, as the size of the mat increases, the size of the mat border
increases, too. We seldom recommend mat borders less than 2″. Sizes
ranging from 16 x 20 and up generally get 2 1/2″ – 5″ borders.
Traditionally, mat borders are equal on the top and sides and 1/2″
- 1″ extra on the bottom border. Visually this seems to make the mat
borders look even. However, many artists prefer to make all borders even
so they can use and reuse the mats on either horizontal or vertical pictures.