Mat Cutters

The better choice depends on the finished look you need. Straight cuts are useful for trimming board edges, sizing backing pieces, and cutting simple borders. Bevel cuts are common for picture framing because the angled edge creates a cleaner window around photos, prints, and artwork. Some mat cutters handle both, while others are built mainly for one cutting style. If you create framed presentations, artwork displays, or customer pieces, bevel accuracy and smooth blade travel matter a lot. For basic board trimming, a straight cutting setup may be enough. Also check whether the cutter can handle the board thickness you use, because forcing thick material through the wrong cutter can create rough edges.

Choose the cutter size based on the largest mat board you cut regularly, not only the smallest projects on your desk. A cutter that is too short may require repositioning the board, which increases the chance of uneven edges or misaligned window openings. Larger cutters need more table space, but they are easier for full-size boards and repeat framing work. If you produce standard photo mats, smaller cutting lengths may be enough. If you work with posters, gallery pieces, display boards, or varied customer sizes, a longer cutter gives more control. Also think about storage and workflow. A cutter is only useful if your work surface can support the board before, during, and after the cut.

Replace mat cutter blades as soon as cuts become rough, fibers start pulling, or the blade needs extra pressure to move through the board. Dull blades are one of the most common reasons mats look uneven, especially on visible bevel cuts. They can also damage artwork borders, create fuzzy edges, and make the operator push harder than necessary. Blade life depends on board thickness, board surface, cutting frequency, and whether the blade is used for anything other than mat board. For customer-facing framing, keep spare replacement blades for mat cutters nearby so a dull blade does not slow down a job or affect the finished presentation.

Avoid cutting with a dull blade, using weak board support, rushing the measurement, or moving the guide between repeated cuts. Mat boards can show small errors clearly, especially around window openings and visible bevels. Always confirm the outside size, window size, and border spacing before cutting, because one wrong measurement can waste the board. Keep the board flat and clean so dust or raised edges do not affect the blade path. If the piece needs to match brand colors, artwork spacing, or frame dimensions, test the layout on scrap material first. For repeated pieces, record the settings so the next batch matches the first.