Mount Prints with Herma Photocorners and a Mat Cutter

Quick answer

Mount prints safely by securing them with Herma Photocorners behind a custom-cut mat. Use a Logan Compact Classic Mat Cutter to cut the mat, then attach the photo corners to the backing board so the print stays removable and undamaged.

Step-by-step: mount a print with photo corners and a cut mat

1. Measure the print and decide the mat border: Measure the image area precisely. Decide how wide you want the visible mat border on each side, then add that border to the image dimensions to get the mat's outside size. Keep the border at least 3/4 inch and no more than 4 1/2 inch if you are using the Logan 301-1, as those are its stated minimum and maximum border settings. Write down both the image size and the mat outside size before you touch the cutter.
2. Cut the mat board to outside dimensions: Set the parallel mat guide to your measured border width. Place the mat board against the guide and make the straight cuts for the outside edges. Because the 301-1 has no squaring mechanism, check each corner with a square or by measuring diagonals after the first two cuts. If the diagonals are not equal, adjust the board against the guide and recut before moving on.
3. Cut the window opening: Mark the window opening on the back of the mat using the image size plus a small overlap (about 1/8 inch on each side is typical, but follow your own preference). Set the guide for the border width and cut the window with the bevel blade. Make sure the blade is fresh; a dull blade tears the mat surface. Test the blade on scrap mat board first—if it drags, replace it.
4. Attach Herma Photocorners to the backing board: Place the print face-up on the backing board and position it exactly where it will sit under the mat window. Lift one corner of the print and stick a Herma Photocorner to the backing board so the print corner slides into the pocket. Repeat for the remaining corners, keeping the print square. Do not press the corners onto the print itself—only onto the backing board.
5. Place the mat over the print and check alignment: Lower the cut mat over the print, aligning the window with the image. Check that the border widths look even and that no corner of the print is caught or bent. If the print sits crooked, lift the mat and adjust the print within the photo corners. View the matted print from a slight angle to catch any print edge peeking out under the window.
6. Secure the mat to the backing and frame: Use linen tape or framer's tape along the top edge of the mat to hinge it to the backing board. Then place the assembly into the frame. Do not tape the bottom edge—letting the mat expand and contract with humidity prevents buckling. Hinge only the top edge; the bottom stays free.

Products used in this method

• Logan Compact Classic Mat Cutter 301-1: 32-inch capacity with a parallel mat guide and no squaring mechanism. It suits mats up to 32 inches wide, but you must check square alignment manually before every cut.

  

• Herma Photocorners Self Adhesive - Approx 250 Corners: Self-adhesive photo corners, approximately 250 per pack, transparent and permanent. The corners stay stuck to the backing board while letting you lift the print out without adhesive contact.