Free Instant Matte for Perfect Picture Frames - No Special Tools
Intro: Free Instant Matte for Perfect Picture Frames - No Special Tools
Traditional picture mattes need expensive matte board (mounting board), special cutting tools and skillful cuts to get perfect edges.
This trick gets you perfect mattes Everytime without any of the above!
STEP 1: All You Need Is a Box Cutter
Just measure out the size of the matte that you want and draw that on one side of the acrylic sheet. Overlay it on the painting to make sure the framing is just how you want it.
Cut along the lines with a regular box cutter. You don't need much strength, just enough to cut the protective film. Go slow as any mistakes and scratches will show in the final product.
STEP 2: Peel and Spray
Use whatever spray paint you want to complement your frame and painting. Do a couple of coats to get it nice and opaque.
Once dry, you can peel off the remaining film from the acrylic, leaving a perfect straight-edged matte.
STEP 3: Assemble Your Frame and Picture
I just used clear tape to mount my old sketches to the backing board of the frame. I applied tape along the top edge of the drawing only, so that the paper hangs straight by gravity. Hopefully this will eliminate wrinkles later on.
Assemble the frame with the painted side of the acrylic facing inwards, i.e. facing the painting. No matter how junky or streaky your spray paint was, the other side still will be a perfect mirror-smooth matte facing out!
I love this technique as it takes a cheap picture frame and really elevates it. Also, the white matte will never go mouldy or discolour.
STEP 4: Enjoy!
Except your expensive gallery artwork, perhaps.
Enjoy!
Comments
RayPower 5 years ago