What size mat borders for small prints?

[walbergb]

What size of mat borders would you suggest for a 4"x6" landscape print with 3/8" paper borders top and sides and 5/8" bottom? I've never matted a print that small. I prefer at least a 3" (4" bottom) for 6"x9" (same paper border dimensions), but I think that would be overkill on a 4x6 print. This particular picture is split toned in thiourea and selenium. The mat board will be a dark brown/black with white inside, double matted. Narrow ebony wood frame.

 

[Jon Shiu]

I use 11x14 bright white rag board for that sized print and it looks great. Not sure how it would look with brown/white mat board.

Jon

 

[fdi]

Of course 4x6 matted to 8x10 is common but it is just putting one standard size into another just like matting 11x14 to 16x20. Larger borders tend to give more of a gallery feel. If you are going to display them in a gallery then I would suggest you go with at least 3 or 4 inch borders.

 

[walbergb]

Thanks to both of you for sharing your wisdom. I will stick with my 3" wide mat borders.

 

[SchwinnParamount]

Just maintain the aspect ratio of your print in the matting window, and you'll be fine.

 

[walbergb]

Just maintain the aspect ratio of your print in the matting window, and you'll be fine.

I never thought of it that way. I will play around with some numbers and see what I get. I do like the bottom to be noticeably wider.