How to Cut Picture Mat Board: 4 Easy Methods for Beginners

A picture mat board helps improve the presentation of artwork while protecting it from direct contact with the glass. Whether you're framing photographs, prints, certificates, or artwork, achieving clean edges and precise window openings is essential for a professional finish.

There are several ways to cut picture mat boards, ranging from simple hand tools to specialised cutters and modern laser cutting machines. Each method offers different levels of accuracy, speed, and ease of use.

In this guide, we'll compare four popular cutting methods, explain their advantages and limitations, and help you choose the best option for your framing projects.

Method 1: Cut Picture Mat Board by Hand

Manual cutting is one of the most affordable ways to cut picture mat board, making it a popular choice for beginners, hobbyists, and occasional framing projects. With a few basic tools and careful preparation, you can create custom mat openings without investing in specialised equipment.

Tools You'll Need

• Picture mat board
• Metal ruler or straight edge
• Sharp craft knife
• Pencil
• Cutting mat

Steps to Cut Picture Mat Board by Hand

1. 1. Measure and Mark the Layout Use a ruler and pencil to mark both the outer dimensions of the mat board and the inner window opening. Double-check all measurements before cutting.
2. 2. Position a Straight Edge Place a metal ruler firmly along the cutting line to help guide the blade and maintain straight cuts.
3. 3. Cut the Outer Edges Using a sharp craft knife, make several light passes rather than forcing the blade through the board in a single cut. This helps produce cleaner edges.
4. 4. Cut the Window Opening Carefully cut along the marked inner lines. Many framers use a slight bevel cut to create a more professional-looking finish.
5. 5. Remove the Centre Section Once all sides are fully cut, gently lift out the centre piece.
6. 6. Check and Refine the Edges Inspect the cut edges and trim away any rough fibres or uneven sections.

Pros

• Low-cost method with minimal tools required
• Suitable for occasional DIY framing projects
• Easy for beginners to learn

Cons

• Requires patience and steady hand control
• Difficult to achieve perfectly consistent results
• Bevel cuts can be challenging for beginners
• Less suitable for batch production or intricate designs

Manual cutting is best suited to simple framing projects and small quantities. However, achieving professional-quality results can be time-consuming, particularly when cutting multiple mat boards or detailed layouts.

Method 2: Cut Picture Mat Board with a Mat Cutter

A mat cutter is specifically designed for cutting picture mat boards and is a popular tool among photographers, artists, and framing enthusiasts. Compared with manual cutting, it offers greater accuracy, cleaner bevel edges, and more consistent results, making it ideal for regular framing projects.

Tools You'll Need

• Picture mat board
• Mat cutter
• Pencil
• Measuring ruler
• Cutting surface

Steps to Cut Picture Mat Board with a Mat Cutter

1. 1. Measure and Mark the Board Mark the outer dimensions and the window opening on the reverse side of the mat board.
2. 2. Adjust the Mat Cutter Set the guide rail, cutting stops, and blade depth according to your measurements and board thickness.
3. 3. Position the Mat Board Place the board securely against the cutter guides to ensure accurate alignment.
4. 4. Cut the Window Opening Cut each side of the window opening using smooth, even pressure. Most mat cutters are designed to produce clean bevel cuts automatically.
5. 5. Remove the Centre Section After completing all four cuts, carefully remove the centre piece.
6. 6. Inspect the Finished Mat Check the corners and edges for accuracy and make any necessary adjustments.

Pros

• Produces cleaner and more consistent cuts than hand cutting
• Creates professional-looking bevel edges
• Faster and easier for repeated framing projects
• Suitable for hobbyists and small framing businesses

Cons

• Higher initial cost than manual tools
• Limited to straight-line cutting
• Not suitable for intricate patterns, decorative cut-outs, or custom shapes
• Accuracy still depends on proper setup and blade maintenance

For users who regularly create picture mats, a mat cutter can significantly improve efficiency and consistency. However, its design is largely limited to standard rectangular and straight-line cuts, which may restrict more creative or customised projects.

Method 3: Cut Picture Mat Board with a Laser Cutter

Laser cutting is widely regarded as the most accurate and efficient method for cutting picture mat board. Unlike manual tools or traditional mat cutters, a laser cutter follows digital design files to produce precise cuts, clean edges, and highly repeatable results.

This method is particularly useful for creating intricate window openings, multi-aperture mats, custom shapes, and batch-produced framing projects where consistency is essential.

Recommended Laser Cutter for Picture Mat Board: LaserPecker LX2

For UK hobbyists, artists, photographers, and small framing businesses, the LaserPecker LX2 offers a practical way to produce professional-quality picture mats with minimal manual effort.

Combining cutting and engraving capabilities in a compact desktop system, the LX2 streamlines the entire workflow—from digital design to finished mat board—while maintaining excellent accuracy and repeatability.

For improved indoor air quality, the LX2 can also be paired with the LaserPecker Desktop Smoke Purifier, which helps filter smoke, odours, and airborne particles generated during cutting and engraving. This makes it a practical solution for indoor creative spaces and home workshops.

Steps to Cut Picture Mat Board with a Laser Cutter

1. 1. Create Your Design Use vector design software to create the outer dimensions, window openings, and any decorative elements.
2. 2. Import the Design File Upload the file into the laser software and position it correctly within the workspace.
3. 3. Prepare the Material Place the picture mat board flat on the work surface and secure it if required.
4. 4. Adjust the Cutting Parameters Set the appropriate power, speed, and number of passes based on the thickness and type of board.
5. 5. Start the Cutting Process Run the job and allow the laser to follow the digital cutting path automatically.
6. 6. Remove and Inspect the Finished Piece Once complete, remove the mat board and check that the edges and openings meet your requirements.

Pros

• Extremely precise and consistent results
• Suitable for intricate and customised designs
• Ideal for repeat production and batch processing
• Faster than manual cutting methods
• Combines cutting and engraving in one machine
• Supports a wide range of creative materials

Cons

• Higher initial investment than manual tools
• Requires basic design software knowledge

For users seeking the highest level of accuracy, flexibility, and efficiency, laser cutting is often the preferred solution. It eliminates many of the limitations of traditional cutting methods while opening up more creative possibilities for custom framing projects.

FAQs: Common Questions About Cutting Picture Mat Board

Q1. Can I use a regular utility knife to cut picture mat board?

Yes, a utility knife can be used for basic straight cuts on picture mat board, particularly for simple DIY framing projects. Using a sharp blade and making several light passes will usually produce cleaner results than applying excessive pressure in a single cut.

However, creating precise bevel cuts can be difficult without specialised tools. For more professional results, many framers prefer using a mat cutter or laser cutter.

Q2. How do I choose the right picture mat board thickness?

Picture mat boards are commonly available in 4-ply and 8-ply options.

• 4-ply mat board is suitable for most photographs, artwork, and certificates.
• 8-ply mat board creates a deeper, more premium-looking border often used in gallery displays and professional framing.

The ideal thickness depends on the artwork, frame depth, and desired visual effect.

Q3. What is the best tool for cutting a picture mat board?

The best tool depends on the level of accuracy and efficiency you require.

• For occasional DIY projects, a utility knife may be sufficient.
• For regular framing work, a dedicated mat cutter provides cleaner bevel edges and better consistency.
• For professional-quality results, intricate designs, and repeat production, a laser cutter offers the highest precision and flexibility.

Q4. Can I cut picture mat board without a mat cutter?

Yes. A ruler and sharp craft knife can be used to cut mat board manually. However, producing straight cuts and clean bevelled edges often requires practice.

If you plan to frame artwork regularly, investing in a mat cutter or laser cutting machine can save time and improve overall quality.

Q5. Can a laser cutter create bevel cuts on picture mat board?

Traditional mat cutters are specifically designed for bevel cuts, which is why they remain popular in framing.

Laser cutters generally create straight vertical edges rather than angled bevels. However, they excel at producing highly accurate openings, custom shapes, decorative patterns, and multi-aperture designs that would be difficult to achieve manually.

Q6. Is laser cutting picture mat board safe for indoor use?

Yes, when using suitable equipment and ventilation.

For users in the UK, desktop systems such as the LaserPecker LX2 are designed with Class 1 Laser Safety, making them suitable for home workshops and creative studios. Pairing the machine with a smoke purification system can also help reduce odours, smoke, and airborne particles generated during cutting.

Conclusion

There are several ways to cut picture mat board, each suited to different budgets and framing needs. While manual tools and mat cutters remain practical options, laser cutting offers the highest level of precision, consistency, and design flexibility.

For photographers, artists, and small framing businesses in the UK, a desktop laser cutter such as the LaserPecker LX2 provides an efficient way to create clean, professional-quality picture mats with repeatable results and customised designs.