Pre-cut Matte Aspect Ratios

Jim Chinn · Dec 31, 2003

I have always thought about buying a good cutter and doing them myself, but I don't overmat that many prints. On the occasion that I sell a print to someone, I include the cost of having the mat cut. I have a framing shop in town that orders the board I like and keeps it on hand. They usually do my cutting, and let me use the old dry mount press for free as long as I buy board and other supplies from them.

Jeremy · Dec 31, 2003

If I printed every image to the same size then I would definitely by pre-cut mats, but as I don't I have already saved back the initial cost of the mat cutter instead of buying pre-cut mats. I can cut a full mat in under five minutes, w/ very minimal measuring and have it look like those you buy. The emory board is there if I make a slight mistake. I also use an Alto mat cutter. It's a very different design where the guide where you cut is moved according to how much of a border you want on your window in 1/8" increments up to 8". I like to measure ahead of time to make sure everything is kosher, but you can actually cut w/o measuring anything. It came with a movie about mat cutting if anyone wants to borrow it (just PM or email me): http://www.dickblick.com/zz171/03/products.asp?param=0&ig_id=1037

It really is foolproof and a very cheap way to get into mat cutting. I purchase my mats already cut down to 11x14 (I'm printing 5"x7" and smaller right now) and then <5 minutes to cut the window.

Flotsam · Dec 31, 2003

This topic offers an interesting chance to see how many of us compose to the format that we shoot and how many tend to alter the aspect ratio of their prints to favor the composition of the individual image. I am purely guessing that most photographers aren't 100% exclusive but still tend to heavily lean one way or the other.

Personally, I naturally try to compose within the camera that I am using while shooting but I have no hesitation in the darkroom to band in my easel to make the print format suit or support the subject. I would estimate that I am fairly close to 50/50 but may print somewhat more in non-standard aspect ratios than standard.

To relate this to the topic at hand, It would be impossible for me to commit exclusively to using pre cut mattes despite their substantial convenience benefits and, being way too cheap to pay someone to cut custom mattes for me, I just gotta cut 'em myself.[/b]

lee · Dec 31, 2003

I don't think anyone is "An Idiot" for buying pre-cut mats

Ed,
I never said anyone was "An Idiot", but what I did say was I thought maybe they were doing something wrong and that made the experience not a pleasant one. This is a personal discission and I happen to like doing it. I would not want to do it everyday all day but I am that way about a lot of things. If it is called work then it is not fun. I like fun.

lee\c

Cheryl Jacobs · Dec 31, 2003

Lee, Ed was referring to the initial post, above the poll.

You are an idiot to buy precut mattes

Ed Sukach · Dec 31, 2003

lee said:
I don't think anyone is "An Idiot" for buying pre-cut mats
Ed,
I never said anyone was "An Idiot", but what I did say was I thought maybe they were doing something wrong and that made the experience not a pleasant one. This is a personal discission and I happen to like doing it. I would not want to do it everyday all day but I am that way about a lot of things. If it is called work then it is not fun. I like fun.

Huh???? I never said anyone was "An Idiot", either!

I was trying to expand a tad on my answer. The survey statement was:

"You are an idiot for buying pre-cut mattes."

The choices given were:

Yes.

No.

Yes, but not for that reason.

What's a pre-cut matte?

That third choice is puzzling... "You are an idiot ...": "Yes, but not for that reason"?? > Doesn't that equal "You are an idiot, whether you buy pre-cut mats or not?"

Anyway, everyone is free to do whatever they choose to do. Buy them precut, cut their own, not use mats in the first place, make paper airplanes out of their prints and hang them from the ceiling, if they want to... ... Frankly, I don't give a damn what someone else does.

I happen to cut my own - not that I am fanatically addicted to cutting mats ... nor do I dislike cutting them. Again, I view the configuration of the matting as another "tool in the box".

lee · Dec 31, 2003

Sorry Ed, I took that comment at face value and forgot about the survey title.

my bad,

lee\c

Dave Miller · Jan 1, 2004

I agree that matt cutting is close to purgatory, so where possible I buy mine ready cut.

For those in the UK can I recommend Mr Carter.

http://www.cartersmounts.co.uk/

His prices workout very little more than the street price of the card. He cuts to order, so you specify card finish and sizes.

When I have to cut my own I use a Mountmaster cutter, it gives bevelled edges and a good finish.

Ed Sukach · Jan 1, 2004

lee said:
.. I took...

No problem!

It has been said that 80 - 90% of our communications are non-verbal - so, in a situation where we cannot see one another we are prone to a lot of misinterpretation.

Given the choice of risking misunderstanding or silence, I choose "risking".

We here, as near as I can figure, are all passionate people ( YAAAAY!!!) and many of us have learned hard lessons, of which we tend to be somewhat overprotective.

I can only hope that MY (n.b. "MY") reactions are not so intense as to inhibit anyone else's.

Lex Jenkins · Jan 3, 2004

I don't wanna bother with cutting mats. And I need square mats for prints from my 6x6cm negs. Nobody I've been able to find offers precut square window mats, whether on square boards or rectangular. It's always a special order.

Robert Kennedy · Jan 6, 2004

Mattes are hell. Period.

One of my finals was printed on acetate. I ideally wanted to do the thing as gumprints on glass, but you know lacking the 6 month learning curve, I had to go for dXXXXXl output here.

Anyway I wanted to approximate stained glass, so I needed a front and back matte to sandwich the acetate and the velum between (the velum to act as a diffuser).

So I thought, "I'll learn to cut my own..."

They say the thumb is grafting to the stump nicely now.....

AndrewH · Jan 8, 2004

Lex:

For about $14 you can get some square 8 ply mats from B&H. Only problem is that they only off 8x8.

Lex Jenkins · Jan 10, 2004

Thanks, Andrew. Didn't know B&H offered those. I usually print right at 8"x8" and 8-ply mats are gorgeous.

Aggie · Feb 18, 2004

mwtroxell · Feb 19, 2004

I checked at Superior Archival Materials and I believe a 2-ply mount, 8-ply overmat and the charge for having the mat cut all worked out to just a little over $12 per mat if I order at least 25. Thats not bad when you consider the quality of the cut mats and the fact that there are few things in life I hate as much as cutting mats.

ann · Feb 19, 2004

That is interesting, as the last time i talked with Superior they sell 8 ply board but they would not cut windows. However, that was last year sometime. I will have to call them back; hopefully they have changed their postion. I use a lot of 8 ply windows and can't do those . Have been using Light Impressions as they are one of the few people who cut that ply and believe it or not it is cheaper than having them cut locally. The last time I did research in this area was last year this time so it may appear that I need to revist this issue.

Depending on my mood I may cut or not cut 4 ply . The outer dimensions are usually consistent, the windows will vary as the print size may vary depending on subject matter and how I want it too look.

mwtroxell · Feb 19, 2004

ann said:
That is interesting, as the last time i talked with Superior they sell 8 ply board but they would not cut windows. quote]

Ann,

You're right about Archival Materials. I had been looking on their website and planning to place a order for 8-ply. After reading your post, I called them and they said that they did sell 8-ply but did not cut opening for it. Oh well, back to Light Impressions I guess.s

ann · Feb 19, 2004

rats!! I am planing on buying some boards from them as i want to give them the business and have heard so many good things about the board. Will definitley buy the back boards . thanks for saving me a phone call )

Jim Chinn · Feb 19, 2004

I went down to see Lee in Ft. Worth and he showed me how to cut a perfect mat in about 5 minutes. It seemed pretty simple: Have a good mat cutter like Lee has, take your time to measure correctly and have a workman like attitude. I feel that anytime you approach a task with fear or frustration on your mind it will always be a struggle to complete it to satisfaction. So either change your attitude or buy the right tool to fit your temperment.

Jeremy · Feb 20, 2004

I second the recommendation, everyone should visit Lee and learn the secret ways of the mat-cutter... "overcut edges are bad; Logan, you are my mat cutter, the power is strong in this 8-ply"

photomc · Feb 20, 2004

Another vote for Lee here..he gave me the same short course..and Jim has it right, instruction from Lee and the right equipment. Even with a cheaper Logan I have been having very good luck cutting mats after my visit with Lee,

Lee, Thank You Sir..

now where can you find a mat cutter like yours....

lee · Feb 21, 2004

Thanks Dick Blick sells mat cutters and if you do a Google search for mat cutters you can find the best prices.

lee\c

ann · Feb 21, 2004

cutting windows is not hard. At one time I had a very high end mat cutter, and hated it. recently sold it as i never use it. A logan hand cutter, good metal ruler some clamps, a shelf healing mat and it is easy. Just measure twice, and turn the board counter-clockwise. a little practice and away you go.

I do understand that some people shy away from cutting their own, and at times i have some cut. Lazy , lazy, lazy. However, since i really do like 8ply windows i have been "forced" to have them cut commerically.

lee · Feb 21, 2004

I have never tried to cut an 8 ply board. I am not sure the Logan I have will cut it.

lee\c

mwtroxell · Feb 21, 2004

Ann,

What is a good source for having 8 ply board windows cut? I was going to have Archival Materials cut them till that plan got shot down.

Pre-cut Matte Aspect Ratios

You are an idiot to buy precut mattes

Yes

No

Yes, though not for that reason

What's a pre-cut matte?

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Privacy & Transparency