How to Install Matting in a Picture Frame

A Step-by-Step Guide (and When to Go Pro)

Matting does more than just make artwork look polished—it protects your piece, creates visual breathing room, and elevates the entire frame. If you’re planning to install matting yourself, this guide will walk you through the process, what tools you need, and common mistakes to avoid.

Whether you’re framing a print, photo, or illustration, here’s how to do it the right way.

What You’ll Need to Install Matting

Before you start, gather the following:

A pre-cut mat sized to your artwork and frame
Looking for a precut mat board? Browse our collection here.
A frame with glass or acrylic ((Before installing matting make sure your frame size is correct)
Acid-free backing board (foam core or mat board)
Four pieces of acid-free hinging tape (linen tape or archival paper tape)
A clean, soft surface to work on
Optional: cotton gloves (great for avoiding fingerprints)

⚠️ Avoid household tape, masking tape, or glue—they can permanently damage artwork over time.

The right matting starts with the correct frame size and depth. If you're still selecting a frame, explore our collection of custom picture frames available in multiple sizes and finishes.

Step 1: Prepare Your Artwork

Lay your artwork face down on a clean surface. Make sure it’s free of dust or debris.

If your artwork is delicate (watercolor, illustration, or anything valuable), do not tape all four sides. Artwork needs room to expand and contract naturally.

Step 2: Attach Hinge Tabs to the Back of the Artwork

Place two vertical pieces of archival tape along the top back edge of the artwork
Adhesive should face down, touching the artwork
Allow the tape to extend ½–1 inch above the top edge
Space the tabs evenly to support the artwork’s width

This method keeps the artwork secure without stress or buckling.

Step 3: Position the Mat Over the Artwork

Flip the art over and carefully place the mat on top of the artwork:

Check that the opening is centered
Make sure the borders are even on all sides
Double-check orientation (it happens more than you think)

Take your time here—small misalignments are very noticeable once framed.

How to Secure the Mat Without Damaging the Artwork

Once the mat is aligned, use the bottom (heel) of your fist to gently press down along the top edge of the mat. This applies even, controlled pressure and helps the tape adhere properly to the backing board without shifting the artwork.

⚠️ Important:

Always wear clean cotton or nitrile gloves or ensure hands are freshly washed and completely dry
Avoid pressing with fingertips, which can leave oils, smudges, or dents
Apply firm pressure—never force or flatten the artwork

This method keeps the artwork clean while ensuring the hinge holds securely.

Step 4: Flip the Art Back Over and Create T-Hinge

Flip the artwork and mat face down while keeping everything aligned
Apply one horizontal strip of archival tape across each hinge tab
Press the tape onto the backing board to form a "T"
Secure only from the top—do not tape all four sides

Step 5: Assemble the Frame

Before closing the frame:

Wipe the inside of the glass or acrylic with a lint-free cloth
Remove fingerprints and dust
Inspect under good light

⚠️ Important: Once the frame is sealed, any speck of dust becomes very obvious.

Layer the materials in this order:

Glass or acrylic
Mat + artwork
Backing board

Secure everything using the frame’s tabs or clips, making sure it’s snug—but not forced.

Common Matting Installation Mistakes to Avoid

These are the issues we see most often:

Using non-archival tape or glue
Cutting mats by hand without proper tools
Crooked mat openings
Artwork touching the glass
Over-tightening the frame, causing warping

If your art has sentimental or monetary value, these mistakes can be costly.

DIY vs Professional Matting: When to Consider Custom Framing

DIY matting works well for:

Posters
Casual prints
Temporary displays

Professional matting is recommended for:

Original art or illustrations
Watercolors or photographs
Gifts or heirloom pieces
Perfect color matching and precision cut.

If you’re working with something valuable or meaningful, precision matters.
We offer made-to-measure custom mat boards cut to your exact dimensions.

Shop Custom Mat Boards

Custom matting ensures:

Archival protection
Exact sizing
Clean, professional presentation

Final Thoughts

Installing matting yourself can be rewarding, but it’s also where most framing problems begin. Taking the time to do it properly—or choosing professional custom matting—can make all the difference in how your artwork looks and lasts.

If you’re unsure, it’s always better to ask or outsource than risk damaging a piece you love.

If you'd prefer everything handled for you, we offer fully custom framing services.

Fully custom framing services