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16x20 mat size?

As of right now, my big pics are just sitting in normal frames with no mat. Recently I've decided to redo all of them the proper way. The problem I have with mat is that it cuts off a good chunk of pictures. If I'm going to use 20x24 frames for 16x20 photos, what would be the size of mat I'd need without losing a lot of the viewing area of the photos?

Thanks

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Permalink Reply by Mike P on May 11, 2012 at 2:25pm

From the research I've done on this manner, and the information of others, the mat size should be the same size as the frame. The "exact" mat opening should always overlap the image by ¼ inch on all 4 sides. It also helps to hold the image down. So 20x24 mat-board would really be 19.5x23.5. Some framing companies would prefer 19.75x23.75 since there would be less masking of the image. Mr. Badwey is a professional in this manner and you should consult him; he has the advertisement to the right of the page "Museum Quality Archival Frames." Hope this helps.

-Mike

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Permalink Reply by Bill Waterhouse on May 11, 2012 at 4:40pm

If you are using a double mat, the interior mat should have an opening that has 1/4 inch covering on each side. This way you lost 1/2 inch total right to lefty and top to bottom. I have tried it with 1/8 inch on each side, but it doesn't allow for a good fit. The same goes for a single mat opening.

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Permalink Reply by Dustin Shawley on May 17, 2012 at 11:14am

Why would one need something bigger than a 20x24 frame for a 16x20?

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Permalink Reply by Emily Livingstone on August 6, 2015 at 4:05am

Your mat size should be equal to your frame size. For example, if your frame has a 16x20 opening you need a 16x20 mat, it’s that simple. Another way to think about selecting your mat size is to ask yourself: what size piece of glass will I need? Your mat size will be the same as your glass size. You can also use frames without mat.

If you have a frame but aren’t sure what size it is, you can measure your frame very easily to determine how big your mat and glass will need to be. Just flip your frame over so that you’re looking at the back side and, with a ruler or tape, measure the width and height of the frame’s opening. If your opening measures 18” wide and 24” high, you need an 18x24 mat and 18x24 piece of glass.

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Permalink Reply by Null on August 6, 2015 at 6:11am

"Your mat size should be equal to your frame size. For example, if your frame has a 16x20 opening you need a 16x20 mat"

This is 100% not true and a mistake I made when framing my last signed poster. If you get it the EXACT size as your poster, the poster will just simply fall right through and be sitting right on the glass again. You need to allow .25" or .5" so the poster can "sit" on the matte and not fall through. Dustin, if you have a Hobby Lobby just go in there to the framing department and tell them exactly what you are wanting to do. I go there for all of mine and they are always helpful and a matte costs about $8 (they even have 40% off coupons all the time). Also for a few of my posters I had to pick up some "Acid Free" tape to keep the poster from falling down in the frame, I simply taped it to the matte.