Framing 101: Perfect Matting For An 8X12 Painting

Choosing the right frame and mat combination for your artwork can be tricky. While it is easy to frame a print without a mat board, as the frame size is the same as the print size, adding a mat board brings another dimension to your framing project. The mat size lists the outer dimensions and the exact window size to fit a given print size. The amount of matting around a picture depends on the purpose of the mat, the size of the picture, the frame, and aesthetic preferences. In general, matting enhances the artwork and creates a buffer between the art and its frame, protecting the piece from moisture or direct contact.

Custom frames are available for 8x12 paintings

There are a variety of options available for custom frames for 8x12 paintings. Custom framing allows you to select from a wide range of materials, colours, and finishes to create a truly personalised display.

Frame It Easy, for example, offers custom picture frames for art and photos. You can either upload your artwork and they will calculate the best size, or you can set your exact art size. They offer a range of papers, including a semi-matte photo paper with a slight gloss and a natural white art paper with a matte finish.

ArtToFrames also offers 8x12 inch custom wood poster frames in multiple colours, which can be purchased from Michaels.

If you are looking for a custom mat size, Redimat can cut mats from 4x6 inches up to 32x40 inches and any window size in between. They also offer custom mat window corners and collage photo mats with multiple window openings.

Common mat board frame sizes are available

When it comes to selecting a mat board frame, you can choose from common standard sizes or opt for a custom size. Mat board frames are available in a variety of sizes, and you can select the one that best suits your artwork and aesthetic preferences.

Common mat board frame sizes are readily available, and you can choose from a range of standard options. For example, Redimat offers mat board frames in sizes ranging from 4x6 inches to 32x40 inches. They also provide custom sizes to fit any window size within this range. Mat board frames with standard sizes are convenient if you plan to resell your matted prints, as your customers can easily find compatible frames without incurring additional costs for custom framing.

Another standard mat board frame size is the 11x14 Economy Pre-Cut Mat Board, which is recommended for small to medium-sized artworks. For larger artworks, a mat border of 4 inches or more is suggested.

Additionally, American Frame offers oversized mat boards for framing large works of art, with customizable dimensions up to 38" x 58". These mats combine functionality and elegance, using solid-core conservation-grade materials that guarantee protection and a beautiful finish for your valuable pieces.

While standard sizes are readily available, creating a custom window size allows you to achieve a unique look for your art. You can select the window size and mat board material that best complements your artwork, and even choose from decorative pre-cut mat window corners for an eye-catching effect.

The mat size should be balanced to not overpower the artwork

The mat's role is to enhance the artwork, not steal the attention from it. The right mat size, layout, and colour can make a huge difference in the overall presentation. A good rule of thumb is to choose a mat that is at least 1 inch wider than the moulding. Most mats are 2-4 inches wide, with larger artwork supporting a wider mat and smaller artwork paired with a narrower mat. For instance, a mat border of 2-4 inches is recommended by many professional framers to achieve the "traditional" framed look without overwhelming the artwork. If your art is smaller, a 2-inch border is preferable to avoid overpowering the artwork.

The mat should only be a few inches bigger than the print itself. A mat that is too large will result in a tiny floating print in the centre, while a mat that is too small will appear odd with a large piece of art. A mat border of 1.5–3 inches is generally recommended for an 8"x10" print, with 11"x14" being a standard size.

The width of the mat border can dramatically alter the appearance of the artwork. The mat should ideally be at least 1.5 times the size of the frame to prevent the frame from overpowering the artwork.

Accent mats are a great way to enhance your art and give your frame a luxurious, custom look. They deliver a small dose of colour that won't overpower your art. You can also use multiple accent mats to complement your artwork.

Float mounting is a matting technique to prevent masking

When it comes to custom framing, matting techniques are crucial in enhancing and protecting your artwork. The right mat can elevate a piece, draw attention to key details, add depth, and ensure the art remains the focal point. Float mounting is one such matting technique.

Float mounting is a matting technique where the art "floats" on top of the mat board, instead of being held down by the edges of a mat board frame. This technique raises the artwork above the mat, creating a shadow effect and emphasising the piece's natural edges. It is commonly used for watercolours, handmade paper, and time-worn documents like old maps or handwritten letters. The suspension of the art in a float mount frame casts dramatic shadows, allowing artwork with raw or frayed edges to take centre stage.

Float mounting is a good choice for showing the edges of fine art paper, especially when the paper has a deckle edge. To achieve this, the artwork is attached directly to the mat board with T-hinges, or first attached to acid-free foam core so that the artwork sits higher in the frame. Acid-free archival adhesives and archival-quality document frames are recommended to protect and showcase the artwork.

When float mounting, it is important to minimise the amount of adhesive used. The artwork should be taped as little as possible to avoid restraining its natural tendency to "breathe" by expanding and contracting as it absorbs and rejects moisture in the air. Acid-free archival hinging tape should be used to prevent damage to the artwork over time.

Double matting is a modern way to display prints

When selecting a mat, it is important to consider the size of the print and the frame. The mat helps to highlight the artwork and also serves as protection, preventing the glass or acrylic from coming into direct contact with the print. For an 8x12 print, a standard outer dimension frame can be used, with custom window sizes cut to fit the print.

A wide range of mat board materials and colours are available, including jewel-toned suede, bright foil metallics, and textures inspired by sports balls. For black and white prints, a complementary colour can be chosen for the top mat, or for a more personalised touch, school or team colours can be used.

When framing fine art photography or professional art, it is recommended to use museum-grade mat board made from 100% Cotton RagMat. This ensures the artwork is well-protected and preserved over time. Acid-free and lignin-free conservation grade mat boards are also available and can be ordered online, with custom outer width, height, and window sizes.

Frequently asked questions