Hello all I am new to the world of art shows as the title says...My work has been accepted by several juried shows and my first is coming up next weekend...it is small and I have time to gear up for the Bigger ones coming in October and November. I have purchased the propanels "LOVE THEM" btw. My dilemma is I cannot cut foam board worth a flip....I have watched every tutorial there is...you might as well put an axe in my hand to cut them...because that is what it looks like. I am considering precut and wondering where is the cheapest. And then I got to thinking...when I place my prints in the print racks do I have to have the foam core in with them (in the plastic bags) is there another option to give the prints stability so as not to bend. Also, I am working with 18x24 and so far have not found that particular pre cut size. Do 16x20 and smaller sell better at shows. I am getting down to the wire and just have to place the prints in the bag...but need correct backing. One more thing...for display I have the photography famed without mat...is that a no-no? I am so very impressed with this community of fine artists and look forward to your advice.
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Foam board is fairly easy to cut with a heavy duty framers straight edge with a hand guard. Cheaper than a mat cutter, but good for trimming board and backing material. Keep a sharp blade in the knife. I use heavy-duty Olfa knives with a snap off blade. The bigger blades stay sharp longer than the smaller blades, and are easy to snap.
Also see matcutter.com for precut mats and backing.
The best thing I've found for cutting foam board is a mat board cutter. I use my mat cutter more for cutting foam board than I do for cutting mats!
I usually use mats when I'm framing photos under glass, but I have some frames that look good without mats. I don't use mats or glass on canvas prints.
Thank you, Dave! If you would please send me information on your brand of cutter, there are so many on the market. Again, thank you for your reply.
Kathryn Piotrowski
http://TwisterChasers.Com
The cuter I use is a Logan 450, that I got on a good sale. I want to upgrade to the next level Logan this winter. What my 450 lacks is a long arm for making sure everything is square.
Another great resource for artists doing their own matting and framing is United Manufacturer's Supplies
http://www.unitedmfrscatalog.com/home/index.htm
Mat cutters is where you don't want to go cheap. They are a precision tool that lasts for years.
Look at Fletcher, and maybe a used C&H.
Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
Thank you, Larry, for your very informative and much appreciated reply. I found the Clear Bags last night, per your forum, and also the pre-cut. I know my post probably sounded pretty desperate but struggling with the foam core at such a late date had me very concerned :). Thank you for the tip about the "mat board backing"!!! In the drop down menu (here is the link) http://www.clearbags.com/mats-backing/show-kits/clearbags-16-x-20d-... and in the back board drop down menu, (Image below) which one, in your opinion is the one to use? I have taken a breath now and decided that absolutely my images need matting, which tape do you use for mounting>>> linen? Again, thank you so much for your response, previous to this post I have read many of your posts and even visited your informative website. I am ordering the precut today. Thank You, Larry.
Hinging or mounting? For hinging I use acid free framers tape II and for mounting I use scotch PMA.
As for thickness of mat board, I don't know. I always order mat board and it's the correct thickness.
Larry Berman
The first thing I would suggest is for you to join my photography forum. It's got hundreds of photographers who discuss art show related issues.
http://artshowforums.com
If you can't cut your backing properly, you either need to buy a mat cutter or have your mats and backing pre cut.
Look into these resources:
http://clearbags.com
http://framedestination.com
http://dixiematting.com
Clear bags sells the archival display bags as does Frame Destination who also can cut your mats and backings. Dixie Matting also sells hand cut mats. All of these resources treat any size as a standard size.
Personally I use mat board for backing instead of foam core. You can fit more prints in your unframed bin.
Don't go overboard printing until you figure out what your good sellers will be.
Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100