Photo Lab Manual (PDF) - Richland College

Cutting Window MatsWindow mats are usually cut for pictures that have some value or importance, so it isrecommended that a high quality, acid-free rag board is used. The board is moreexpensive, but it is archival and has excellent longevity. White and cream colors arestandard for this board, and it can come in cut sizes and full sizes up to 32" x 40".Two-ply and four ply, are standard thicknesses of the board. Two-ply is cheaper andnot as rigid as four-ply. You will be happier with the four-ply board in the long run becauseit offers more stability. Your instructor can recommend places to purchase this board, asmost photography stores do not stock it.Make sure you use a new blade to cut your board. Ask for assistance to install theblade if you don't know how. The cutter will make straight cuts and bevel cuts.What you need to begin• Museum Board• Linen tape or dry mount tissue• A print to mount• A ruler• Weight bag• Logan blades #269 for the wall mounted cutter, and #270 for the portable cutter• Cotton Gloves1. If you are going to dry mount the picture, turn on the dry mount press and plugin the tacking iron to allow them to heat up.2. If you are cutting a board down from a larger size, remember you will need twopieces of board the exact same size for each picture (one board for mounting, thethe other for the window mat).64