I Need Help If You Know How to Matt Photographs

Maybe this would help, it's the only tutorial I could find.

http://www.thesmallobject.com/stenopad/wordpress/?p=87

I am in the same boat, I have a ton of photos that need to be matted and framed. You can buy pre-cut mats at places like Michael's or Garden Ridge (just make sure all the materials you use are archival quality). You can either mount the photos or just attach the photos to the mats. One tip I learned from an artist friend -- use 1 cent stamps on the back corners of your photos to attach to the underside of the mat -- stamps are archival adhesive. Dick Blick (http://www.dickblick.com) is a good resource for supplies.

If you have a lot to do you might even consider taking a class at a photography store or community college for access to equipment as well as guidance and know-how from an instructor.

Good luck!

You don't say if you want a 3D mat as in store-bought, or done in a program to print out at a later date.

Since you asked for a tutorial, I'll assume the latter.

Paint Shop Pro has an automatic function that does this for you and it also has several pre-made mats and frames. Is that what you referred to?

Let me know.

Sorry no help but good luck with your photos.

I used to just take an exacto knife to construction paper.

I don't have any tips, but just stopping by to say good luck with your project.

I do not have any tips either just wanted to say hello,-- but see you are getting some good ones!

Roger, I want an actual matt from the store. It's for my portfolio.

Ok, got it: Here's the trick. Take it to ANY place that does framing. Let them help you select the proper matting for it and ask if you can photograph it so you can make up your mind.

I use Michael's Art's & Crafts, they have a large selection - take it home, download the pictures and see which one really makes the photo pop. Once you have it; it's a LOT easier to make up your mind. How many times we got confused by not doing it that way is told by the amount of money I threw away on poor mats.

Hope this helps.

Good luck in your search for the info you need. Roger's advice sounds good.

I have a discount place nearby that also does framing. I take the finished photo in and if I'm lucky find a very discounted price mat (usually it only means it was cut for something else and wasn't correct size etc) that makes the photo PoP.
They also have the clear plastic sleeves and backing and presto, a finished product!

Oh, Thank-you Shannon for the stamp trick...definitely less expensive than the tape I buy for that purpose!

hi Lacey... you've got some great ideas... good luck... Bless you...

sorry just now seeing this....did you resolve this issue?....

if not, my quick answer is to ask local framing,or art/craft place if they offer what is called a "show pkg." with same size outside dimensions of 16x20,but that you need a variety of "inside window" dimensions....show pkg. mats usually provide 25 mats all in one same size window cut,but that is how they are sold online.....locally they should accomodate you with exactly what you need....

honestly i find it a real hassle to do my own and can be frustrating if don't get a clean cut to the inside windows....some places offer the do-it-yourself matting at the store which is a cheaper route

you mention in comments that you need this for your "portfolio".....i have never seen portfolios done that way...of course you can do them any way you want to,but there are easier ways....you can have a site like blurb print your photo book complete with text if you choose,or you can buy a zipper style case which has inserts to hold 8x10s,or larger ....Blick art online offers a variety and has decent prices...

standard matting/framing is usually a requirement for galleries and exhibits with them telling you exactly what they want....

hope this helps......cheers,gayle