6X6 Mat size

Mike W · May 17, 2020

Are there "standard" size mats for 6X6 photos? What would the size be?

mooseontheloose · May 17, 2020

By 6x6, you mean square photos? What size of frame are you going to put them in (square or rectangle?) I prefer square frames for square photos and have found pre-cut mats for 5x5, 8x8, 10x10, and 12x12 (all inches).

Mike W · May 18, 2020

Yes, enlarging from 6X6 120 film. (Hasselblad). Trying to know what size to make the print on a sheet of 8X10 paper.

jeffreyg · May 18, 2020

Are you printing full frame or cropping? Generally when framing one of my images I like to have equal mat on the two sides and top with a little more on the bottom. I would think that your window mat should be two or more inches on the three sides and two and one-half on the bottom. Also do you intend to sign under the print. Are you dry mounting? I suggest that you cut two "L's" of mat board and you can use them as a guide. Most frame shops use them with the different colors of board to decide how pictures would be framed. For my prints I use bright white for black and white and natural white for platinum/palladium. Use a simple museum style frame or simple aluminum sectional frame. I have seen small prints framed effectively with large borders so it boils down to a matter of personal taste.

http://www.jeffreyglasser.com/

http://www.sculptureandphotography.com/

logan2z · May 18, 2020

Mike W said:
Yes, enlarging from 6X6 120 film. (Hasselblad). Trying to know what size to make the print on a sheet of 8X10 paper.

FWIW I've been printing 7x7 on 8x10 and 10x10 on 11x14 paper.

Pieter12 · May 18, 2020

Mat board with a pre-cut square opening is not common. I suggest you research local sources, such as art supply and framing shops. There are a couple of questions to ask yourself first--do you intend to frame the matted prints? Keep that in mind when looking for a pre-cut mat. Also, there are a couple of options in matting: will the photo run right up to the edge of the opening (you'll need to print the image at least 1/8" larger than the opening to allow for that), or will it "float" with a white paper border between the image and the mat (make sure your easel is absolutely square--slight discrepancies really show up this way--also, this is more difficult to position so the white area is even at least on three sides, the bottom can be a tad wider). You might want to invest in a mat cutter and do it yourself or find a reasonably-priced frame shop to work with.

Sirius Glass · May 18, 2020

I use 11"x14" paper and print 11"x11" most of the time.

fgorga · May 18, 2020

My strategy for square images...

4 1/2" square image on 5x7 paper with an 8x10 mat
6 1/2" square image on 8x10 paper with an 11x14 mat
9" square image on 11x14 paper with a 16x20 mat

In each case, the top and two side borders of the mat are equal in size. Thus, the bottom border is larger.

I like this progression of image sizes, because each is roughly twice as large in area as the next smaller size. This is pretty much the same relationship as between the traditional rectangular sizes, i.e. 5x7, 8x10 and 11x14.

The downside is that custom mats are required. However, it makes for an elegant presentation.

Roger Thoms · May 18, 2020

I’ve found this helpful especially if I’m putting a square image in a rectangular frame. http://www.russellcottrell.com/photo/centering.htm

Roger

6X6 Mat size

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