Pet peeve for the day (Under mats that aren't cut to the full size of the top mat!!!!

Create a Post
HangingAroundHoover

HangingAroundHoover

MGF, Master Grumble Framer
Joined
Oct 15, 2007
Posts
724
Loc
Hoover, AL
I'm spending my morning fixing several framing jobs framed by another shop. It's a crewel that was pinned using no batting at all and looks horrible. After adding batting and relacing I now have to extend the under mat because it only goes about 1/2" beneath the top mat. Conservation framing doesn't mean that we use less material. ;) Back to the fun.
 
You must be new to framing. Before CMCs all double mats were cut this way. With a straightline cutter the opening is based off of the outside dimension. If you cut both mats full size, then the odds of them not lining up will be slim to none. Was there a reason that you had to build up the mat?
Was it bowing?

Just re-read your post, the under mat was just 1/2 under the top mat not that 1/2" from the outside?
If that is the case, I have done that, but I would have built up around like you are doing.
 
Do you mean that it extended only 1/2" around the opening? If so, that would be cutting corners! As was said before, 1/2" in from the outside dimensions is standard procedure when using a rail cutter. Unless it is a at a larger size, I don't see a reason to do pinwheeling/scabbing.
 
Yes the mat is bowing alot.

Sorry I need to clarify some. The under mat extends only a 1/2" from the inside bevel of the top mat. I always cut the under mats outside dimension 3/16 smaller than the top mats dimension (not 2 1/4" smaller like the example I'm fixing today) I use a fletcher 2100 "rail cutter" and wouldn't use a cmc if the framing gods dropped one in my lap (which would most certainly kill me on impact). Why not just cut the mat to a full size? The customer is paying for a full size undermat.

Signed, set in his ways.
 
Framar said:
I think I just found a new motto: "I may cut mats - but I don't cut corners!"
Click to expand...

There is (or was) a service that would cut intricate mats for framers without a CMC whose tagline was "We'll cut corners, but only if we have to!"
 
I have seen this a lot over the years. Even on triple mats. The result is that the backing board bows out and generally looks bad. I (not being CMC equipped) often use a smaller piece on the second layer of a double mat. Maybe it means getting two pieces out of a full sheet instead of one or because I only have a small piece anyway. But how difficult is it to fill the gap with a scrap piece to bulid up the difference and keep the whole thing level?
 
Create a Post
Back
Top