Auto and photo matting question

[jgmp123]

Hey Michael,
For a low priced item I would recommend just having matting cut at a local shop ($15-$20)...for a higher priced item, I would let the framer do it. They are the expert and will provide museum quality glass, acid fee matte, etc. Plus the quality is second to none if you have a good framer.

I paid my local framer $68 for the pieces I have posted and that includes everything. I drop it off and tell her how I want it. Then $68 later I pick up a beautiful piece.

[Runscott]

Make friends with someone at a frame shop - they will work with you and even give you suggestions on inexpensive ways to do it yourself. Some things I do myself (Ruth, Jackson and Mantle/Berra displays, and paid for museum quality glass), some I do some of the work (1905 Pirates display - I acquired the frame, did the calligraphy, added filler photo piece, framer did all else) and some I leave completely to the pros (my Ted Williams,Dom Dimaggio, Bobby Doerr display).

The bottom line is that having museum-quality glass cut to a special size will crush you when you are trying to do it yourself. Other than that, it's just a matter of having an artistic eye and buying a mat cutter.

[Teamgluck]

Great Job Mark! If you ever make a video that would be very helpful and let me know!

[w7imel]

Thanks guys your the best.....after telling my wife about this post and ideas I had she then informs me her cousin does matting and stuff as a side job...haha problem solved it seems. I will send pictures when done.

[Lordstan]

Originally Posted by Teamgluck

Great Job Mark! If you ever make a video that would be very helpful and let me know!

Thank you.
In the thread that I linked to, I posted links to a few videos on matting basics. Most of it my time is spent planning the layout and then measuring it out. Once you have it laid out on the back of the mat, cutting is easy. Remember to use the old woodworking axiom, measure twice, cut once.
If you can make friends with someone in a frame shop, it certainly is easier, especially for fancier designs.

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by Lordstan

Thank you.
Remember to use the old woodworking axiom, measure twice, cut once.

Funny, the first project I ever attempted was to frame the 1967 Philly Gum Cowboys cards (plus a few extras). I cut holes for each card - by hand with an x-acto knife. I measured and measured and measured, practiced cutting bevels, getting depth right, etc., etc. Then finally began cutting. Perfect the first time. I've never done a job that good since, and I'm sure it's because since then I have never followed Mark's rule of preparation as well as the first time.

[Bpm0014]

Mark, awesome display for the Wagner check. That check was mine at one time. Your display looks a million times better than mine ever did. Seriously, great job!

Brendan

[steve B]

Even more complicated stuff is pretty easy after you do the first couple.

I do almost everything myself, after a pro shop wrecked a poster my sister was having them do. (Before then too, but not something poster size. )

I did this batch of stuff, a very thin paper poster, photo racing license and medals from a cyclist in the 1920's. Took three layers of matboard to get the holes deep enough for the medals. I got no glare uv blocking glass and a frame kit from a local frame shop which has since closed. The mat came from a local craft store that does framing. (same chain the messed up, but the easiest source of matboard) The thin stuff is held by archival photo corners, and the poster has a stiff Mylar sheet helping keep it in place. The medals are sewn to the backmost piece with nylon fishing line. Not the perfect solution, but it's almost invisible and good enough for metal.

It only took a couple hours.

Steve B