DIY Tips for Customizing Your 11×17 Frame Matted Presentation
The 11×17 frame, a versatile canvas for art, photography, and important documents, often reaches its full potential when paired with a custom mat. While professional framing can be a luxurious option, the DIY approach offers a unique opportunity for personalization, cost-effectiveness, and the deep satisfaction of creating something truly your own. This article delves into the world of DIY customization for your 11×17 matted presentations, equipping you with the knowledge and inspiration to transform your display from ordinary to extraordinary.
The Power of the Mat: Why Customization Matters
A mat, often overlooked, is far more than just a border. It’s a crucial element that enhances the visual impact of your artwork or document, guides the viewer’s eye, and protects your item from direct contact with the frame’s glass. For an 11×17 frame, a standard mat opening might feel a bit restrictive. This is where DIY customization truly shines, allowing you to tailor the mat to your specific needs and aesthetic preferences. A well-chosen and expertly cut mat can:
- Emphasize the Subject: A wider mat can make a smaller piece of art appear more substantial and impactful.
- Create Visual Harmony: The mat’s color and texture can complement or contrast with the artwork, enhancing its overall mood.
- Provide Breathing Room: Adequate white space prevents the artwork from feeling cramped, allowing it to be appreciated more fully.
- Add Depth and Dimension: Beveled edges and stacked mats create a sophisticated, multi-layered look.
- Protect Your Investment: High-quality mat board is acid-free and lignin-free, safeguarding your artwork from yellowing and degradation over time.
Consider the case of a small, precious family photograph. Simply placing it in an 11×17 frame with a standard 8×10 opening can diminish its sentimental value. However, by opting for a wider mat, perhaps in a soft cream color that complements the sepia tones of the photo, you instantly elevate its presence and create a focal point that draws viewers in. This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about storytelling and showcasing what matters most.
Essential Tools and Materials for Your DIY Journey
Embarking on your DIY mat customization journey requires a few key tools and materials. Investing in quality supplies will significantly impact the final result and the longevity of your presentation.
Mat Board Selection: The Foundation of Your Design
The mat board is the canvas for your customization. For archival quality, always choose acid-free and lignin-free mat board. This is crucial for preserving your artwork. You’ll find mat boards in a wide array of colors, textures, and thicknesses.
- Color: Whites, creams, and grays are classic choices that suit most artwork. However, don’t shy away from bolder colors that can complement specific pieces or create a dramatic statement.
- Texture: Smooth finishes are standard, but textured boards like linen or suede can add a unique tactile dimension.
- Thickness: Standard mat board is typically 4-ply (about 1/16 inch thick). For a more substantial and luxurious feel, consider 8-ply (double thick) mat board.
Cutting Tools: Precision is Key
Accurate cuts are paramount for a professional-looking mat. While a simple utility knife and ruler can work for basic cuts, investing in specialized tools will yield superior results.
- Mat Cutter: This is the most significant investment but offers the most precise and consistent cuts. Options range from handheld to desktop models.
- Utility Knife or Craft Knife: If a mat cutter is out of reach, a sharp utility knife with a fresh blade and a metal ruler are essential.
- Cutting Mat: A self-healing cutting mat protects your work surface and prevents blades from dulling too quickly.
Measuring and Marking Tools: Accuracy Above All
Precise measurements dictate the proportions and placement of your artwork within the mat.
- Metal Ruler: Essential for guiding your cuts and taking accurate measurements.
- Pencil or Fine-Tip Marker: For marking cut lines. Always mark on the reverse side of the mat board.
- Measuring Tape: For overall dimensions.
Adhesives: Securing Your Artwork
Choosing the right adhesive ensures your artwork is secured without causing damage.
- Archival Tape (Repositionable or Permanent): Acid-free tape is crucial for attaching your artwork to the mat. Repositionable tape allows for adjustments, while permanent tape provides a secure hold.
- Spray Adhesive (Archival Quality): For larger pieces or when mounting the mat to a backing board, archival spray adhesive can be an option, but use with caution and in a well-ventilated area.
- Photo Corners: A non-invasive way to attach artwork, especially valuable pieces, as they don’t require direct adhesive contact with the art itself.
DIY Customization Techniques for Your 11×17 Mat
Once you have your tools and materials, you can explore various customization techniques to make your 11×17 matted presentation truly unique.
The Classic Bevel Cut: A Timeless Appeal
The beveled edge, a 45-degree inward cut, is the most common and visually appealing cut for mats. It creates a subtle shadow and depth, making the artwork pop. If you’re using a mat cutter, this is usually the default setting. If you’re using a utility knife, it requires a steady hand and practice.
Example: For a photographic print of a landscape, a crisp white mat with a clean bevel can enhance the sense of expanse and light. For a black and white portrait, a charcoal gray mat with a bevel can add a touch of modern sophistication.
Mat Width: Mastering the Margins
The width of your mat borders significantly impacts the overall composition. For an 11×17 frame, consider these approaches:
- Equal Borders: A uniform mat width on all four sides offers a balanced and traditional look.
- Wider Bottom Border: This is a common convention in framing, visually grounding the artwork and preventing it from appearing to “fall” out of the frame. Aim for the bottom border to be 1.5 to 2 times wider than the side and top borders.
- Asymmetrical Borders: For a more contemporary and artistic feel, experiment with different border widths. This can create visual interest and draw attention to specific aspects of your artwork.
Case Study: A local gallery displayed a series of minimalist architectural drawings in 11×17 frames. They opted for exceptionally wide top and side borders with a slightly wider bottom border. This technique emphasized the clean lines of the drawings and gave them an airy, gallery-worthy presentation, significantly increasing their perceived value.
Double and Triple Mats: Adding Depth and Dimension
Layering mats – known as double or triple matting – adds a luxurious depth and sophistication to your presentation. This involves cutting successive mats with progressively smaller openings, creating distinct bands of color around your artwork.
How-to: Start with your largest mat (the one that fits your 11×17 frame). Cut the opening for your artwork. Then, cut a slightly smaller mat board with the same opening size as the first mat. Finally, cut an even smaller mat board with the same opening size again. Layer these from largest to smallest, adhering them together with archival tape or spray adhesive. The openings will be precise, creating a beautiful stacked effect.
Example: For a vibrant watercolor painting, consider a white outer mat, a mid-tone complementary color for the middle mat, and a slightly darker shade for the inner mat closest to the artwork. This creates a visually rich and inviting presentation.
Color Palettes: Harmonizing with Your Art
The color of your mat is a powerful design element. Think about the:
- Dominant Colors in Your Artwork: Choose a mat color that complements or subtly picks up on these hues.
- Mood and Tone: Cool colors (blues, greens) can create a calming effect, while warm colors (reds, yellows) can evoke energy and vibrancy.
- Contrast: A contrasting mat color can make your artwork stand out, while an analogous color will create a more subtle and unified look.
Statistic: Studies have shown that the right mat color can influence how a viewer perceives the artwork. For instance, a warm-toned mat can make a painting feel more inviting, while a cool-toned mat might lend it an air of formality.
Custom Openings: Beyond the Rectangle
While a standard rectangular opening is the most common, don’t be afraid to get creative! For specific artwork, you might consider:
- Oval or Circular Openings: Ideal for portraits or circular artwork.
- Shaped Openings: For exceptionally unique pieces, you could even explore custom die-cut shapes (though this often requires specialized equipment or professional services).
- Multiple Openings: If you have a series of smaller photos or elements to display, you can create a single mat with multiple openings.
Tip: If attempting complex or non-rectangular openings, practicing on scrap mat board is highly recommended before cutting into your final piece.
Mounting and Assembly: The Final Touches
With your custom mat cut and ready, the next step is to securely mount your artwork and assemble the frame.
Securing Your Artwork to the Mat
This is a critical step for preservation and presentation.
- Hinging Method: For valuable or delicate artwork, use the hinging method. This involves creating a “bridge” of archival tape that attaches to the back of your artwork and then to the mat. This allows for expansion and contraction of the artwork without stress.
- Direct Application: For less valuable items, you can directly tape the edges of the artwork to the mat using archival tape. Ensure the tape is applied only to the outer edges that will be covered by the mat’s opening.
- Photo Corners: A simple and effective method for photos and prints where direct adhesive contact is undesirable.
Assembling the Frame
Carefully place your matted artwork into the frame. Ensure it sits flush against the glass (if you’re using one). Secure the backing board to the frame using staples, points, or tape, depending on your frame’s construction.
Pro Tip: If you’re using a glass or acrylic front, clean both sides thoroughly with a lint-free cloth and glass cleaner before assembling to prevent dust and smudges from being trapped inside.
Beyond the Basics: Advanced DIY Techniques and Considerations
For those seeking to push their DIY skills further, consider these advanced techniques:
Reverse Bevel or Straight Cut
While the beveled edge is standard, a reverse bevel (angled outwards) or a straight cut can offer a different aesthetic. A straight cut provides a clean, modern look with no shadow effect. A reverse bevel can make the mat appear to recede, drawing more attention to the artwork’s edges.
Window Mats with Interior Bevels
This involves cutting a mat with multiple openings, each with its own beveled edge. This is excellent for creating a gallery wall effect within a single frame, showcasing a collection of smaller pieces.
Floating Mounts
For contemporary art or photography, a floating mount creates the illusion that the artwork is suspended in the center of the mat, with no visible attachment points. This is often achieved by adhering the artwork to a slightly smaller piece of mat board and then attaching that to the main mat, leaving a visible gap around the artwork’s edges.
Using Non-Traditional Materials
While acid-free mat board is standard, for decorative purposes or temporary displays, you might experiment with other materials. However, always prioritize archival quality for valuable items.
Troubleshooting Common DIY Matting Issues
Even with the best intentions, DIY projects can encounter hiccups. Here are some common issues and their solutions:
- Uneven Cuts: If your cuts aren’t perfectly straight, embrace the imperfections as part of the handmade charm or consider adding a decorative border over the edges.
- Artwork Not Centered: Measure twice, cut once! If your opening is slightly off, you might need to adjust the mat’s placement within the frame or consider re-cutting the mat.
- Tape Creep: Ensure you’re using archival tape sparingly and that it’s not extending beyond the mat’s opening onto the visible surface.
- Dust and Smudges: Always work in a clean environment and use lint-free cloths to avoid transferring dust.
Customizing your 11×17 matted presentation through DIY methods is an empowering and rewarding endeavor. It allows you to imbue your framed pieces with personal style, enhance their visual impact, and protect your cherished items for years to come. From mastering the precise cut of a beveled edge to strategically employing color and mat width, the possibilities for creative expression are vast. By understanding the fundamental tools, materials, and techniques, you can transform a standard frame into a bespoke display that truly tells your story. So, gather your supplies, embrace your inner artist, and embark on the journey of creating matted presentations that are as unique and captivating as the content they hold.
