Cutting Mat Board Yourself Makes Sense!!

Cutting mat board yourself seems more intimidating than actually making your own picture frames!

But, once you get the hang of it, you'll be amazed at how simple and rewarding the process can be.

Many people gladly pay more and confine themselves to standard sizes for pre-cut mat board without ever considering cutting their own. That’s too bad because cutting your own mats is not just about saving money—it’s about having complete control over the look and feel of your framed artwork or photos and the size of the frames you make for them.

Why Cut Your Own Mats?

Cutting mats can save money—most people know that. But what many don't realize is that with a few simple tools and a little know-how, it's a VERY easy process.

The hardest part is just getting started. Once you do, you'll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner!

First things first, let’s go over some basics you need to know:

Why Use a Mat?

A mat does more than just frame your artwork—it enhances and protects it. Here’s why mats are a crucial part of any framed piece:

• Aesthetics – A mat surrounding a picture or artwork adds visual appeal. It can accent or highlight colors in the artwork, or add emphasis and drama. For example, a small black-and-white photo with a large white mat creates a stunning, modern look. A colored mat can also add vibrancy and depth to a piece, drawing the viewer’s eye toward the artwork.
• Protection – A mat offers protection by keeping the artwork or picture from coming into direct contact with the glass. This prevents potential damage, such as sticking to the glass in humid conditions, which can ruin the item over time. Additionally, mats allow air to circulate around the art or document, helping to prevent mold, warping, or deterioration.

Why Pay More?

To highlight the savings, I did a quick search for pre-cut mat boards at local art stores.

I found a basic 11x14 standard mat with an opening for an 8 x10 document. The cost? $4.99, before tax.

There were many other options, some much more expensive depending on the material, color or selection of double matting. 

Now, let’s compare this to cutting mat board yourself.

Now for the real savings - cutting mat board yourself.

From the same art store, you can purchase a full sheet of standard mat board (which comes in a variety of colors and textures) for around $16, before tax.

Out of that single sheet, you can cut six 11x14 mat boards.

If you were to buy six pre-cut mats at $4.99 each, you’d be spending $29.94, before tax.

By cutting your own, you’re saving approximately $14 —and that’s just on six mats! Imagine the savings if you’re framing multiple pieces or creating artwork regularly.

At this point, you might be thinking:

“Yeah, but I have to buy the equipment to cut it.”

That’s true, but if you’re here, you probably have an interest in making more than just one frame or mat. If that’s the case, any equipment you purchase will pay for itself in no time.

I started out cutting mat board with a very cheap handheld mat cutter. Learn how to cut mat boards by hand on this page.

I now use a full cutting system which has been paid for over and over again - not to mention the fact that it saves a lot of time.

 Want to see the process in action? Watch me cut a mat by hand on this page. Seeing it done step by step can help build confidence before you try it yourself.

Getting Started with Cutting Mat Board

Before you begin though, it’s important to learn what type of mat board you should use for your frame. 

Click here to learn more about the different types of matboard you can choose from.

Once you have your materials, cutting your own mats is just a matter of measuring, marking, and using a steady hand with your cutter. Practice on some scrap pieces first to get comfortable.

Final Thoughts

Cutting your own mat board is a fantastic way to save money while adding a personal touch to your framed artwork. It’s easier than you think, and once you get started, you’ll never go back to overpriced pre-cut mats.

With the right tools and a little practice, you’ll be cutting mats like a pro in no time!

Ready to give it a try? Grab a mat cutter, some mat board, and start cutting—it’s a decision that truly makes