Printing on 13" x 19" paper

[hark]

1. Has anyone printed photos on 13" x 19" paper, and if so, what size do you print if you intend to mat them? Would I size the photo as 12" x 18" and use an 18" x 24" mat? Is that a standard mat size or one that would necessitate being cut separately?

2. And if you don't print 13" x 19", what is the largest you do print (or have printed by a lab)?

Any suggestions for either question are welcome. Thanks!

 

[RON_RIP]

I cut my own mats at 18x24 for 13x19 prints. On the rare occasion that I have had 16x20 prints made, mat them at 18x24. I have also taken a photo, divided it into 4 equal quarters and framed them without mats and hung together to make one large photo, but at the finished size I feel I am pushing the limits of my 16 megapixel files.

 

[hark]

I cut my own mats at 18x24 for 13x19 prints. On the rare occasion that I have had 16x20 prints made, mat them at 18x24. I have also taken a photo, divided it into 4 equal quarters and framed them without mats and hung together to make one large photo, but at the finished size I feel I am pushing the limits of my 16 megapixel files.

Thanks for this info, Ron. When you print and mat 13x19, do you print the photo to cover the entire paper (13x19) or do you leave a little margin around the edges so the mat doesn't cover parts of the photo?

 

[RON_RIP]

Thanks for this info, Ron. When you print and mat 13x19, do you print the photo to cover the entire paper (13x19) or do you leave a little margin around the edges so the mat doesn't cover parts of the photo?

I always leave the small edge. Am always afraid of the ink smearing otherwise. So do not crop too close and always check your math so that the mat covers the print properly. If you want, I can look up the name of mat cutter which Is pretty simple to use.

 

[hark]

I always leave the small edge. Am always afraid of the ink smearing otherwise. So do not crop too close and always check your math so that the mat covers the print properly. If you want, I can look up the name of mat cutter which Is pretty simple to use.

If you know of one, I'd appreciate it, Ron. Thank you!

 

[Ruidoso Bill]

I use a Logan 750 and cut the mat to size after I print (order prints) and that works good for me. I highly recommend the model cutter I have, it allows you to buy and cut down even the larger mats. I usually purchase all my mats from Hobby Lobby. For a 13 X 19 print I would mat at 18 X 24 and probably cut the 13 X 19 opening a 1/4 to 3/8 inch smaller.

Cutting your own mats teaches one to not crop to tight.

 

[hark]

I use a Logan 750 and cut the mat to size after I print (order prints) and that works good for me. I highly recommend the model cutter I have, it allows you to buy and cut down even the larger mats. I usually purchase all my mats from Hobby Lobby. For a 13 X 19 print I would mat at 18 X 24 and probably cut the 13 X 19 opening a 1/4 to 3/8 inch smaller.

Cutting your own mats teaches one to not crop to tight.

Thanks, Bill. The name Logan sounds familiar--not sure if it is from a mat cutter or a photo cutter, but I will check out this model!

 

[BackdoorArts]

I use 13x19 paper to print anything and everything I print larger than 8x10. I use primary Epson Velvet and UltraSmooth Fine Art papers and it's just easier to order in two sizes (8.5x11 and 13x19). I always leave a margin on these and size the print to be just larger than the mat size, so if I wanted a 13x19 print I'd actually print it to a mat cut size of 12.5 x 18.5 leaving 1/4" of print covered at each edge.

I had a website bookmarked that had a mat and frame size calculator that would give you the common mat sizes that work for various print sizes, but I seem to have lost or deleted it. When I come up with it I'll link it here (I suspect I've linked it elsewhere in the Printer section if you want to search).

I too have a Logan mat cutter, but have used it more for cutting foam core backings than actual mats since most of my prints are standard sizes. It's a great cutter, but they're not cheap and you want to make sure you'll be cutting enough to justify paying for one. I've found the precut stuff I can find at Michael's works for 95% of what I do, and they'll cut mats for you for a cost (not sure what it is) so unless you plan on doing a lot I'd look into local places that will custom cut mats for you first and see how many you need to do before justifying the expense of the Logan (which needs to include the mistakes on the first X number of mats you try ).

 

[hark]

Thanks for letting me know what size you print, Jake. There is a Michael's not far from here so I will check out their custom mats and also will do a search to see if I can find the mat and frame size calculator.

 

[RON_RIP]

I use the Alto mat cutter which is made in the USA and cost about $150. It is incredibly easy to use and the best cutter mechanism I have ever used. I do have the advantage of buying my mats wholesale from a framing wholesaler and only use acid Free mats and foam backer and conservation glass. Alto's mat cutter comes with an instructional DVDs which leads you thru the process.

 

[hark]

I use the Alto mat cutter which is made in the USA and cost about $150. It is incredibly easy to use and the best cutter mechanism I have ever used. I do have the advantage of buying my mats wholesale from a framing wholesaler and only use acid Free mats and foam backer and conservation glass. Alto's mat cutter comes with an instructional DVDs which leads you thru the process.

Good to know, Ron. I wouldn't have even thought about acid-free mats. Thanks for the info on the mat cutter!

 

[RON_RIP]

Good to know, Ron. I wouldn't have even thought about acid-free mats. Thanks for the info on the mat cutter!

I strive to give my prints every advantage to survive as long as possible. I dry mount my prints to acid free foam board with just photo corners so that they are easily dismounted if the mats need replaced.

 

[hark]

I strive to give my prints every advantage to survive as long as possible. I dry mount my prints to acid free foam board with just photo corners so that they are easily dismounted if the mats need replaced.

Hmm...hadn't thought about mounting. Any info on mounting will be appreciated from anyone.

Question on the foam board, Ron. I use foam board to mount drama posters. What I don't like about it is it starts to warp or curve a little after it's been hanging. Is there any way to prevent that especially when the foam board will be hung as is?

 

[RON_RIP]

i doubt it., but you might try gluing thin wood batten strips .to the back. I can use the foam because I always enclose in a frame. Let me research acid free backings that might work and I will get back to you on it.

 

[BackdoorArts]

Acid free materials are absolutely critical if you're framing - from mats to foam core to the tape used in mounting. If you're not behind glass then it's less critical as the air's going to contain stuff that you can't control.

Not much you can do about foam core warping other than to perhaps get snap-on edges like you'd use on a cheap poster frame. Just a little rigidity goes a long way.

 

[hark]

Acid free materials are absolutely critical if you're framing - from mats to foam core to the tape used in mounting. If you're not behind glass then it's less critical as the air's going to contain stuff that you can't control.

Not much you can do about foam core warping other than to perhaps get snap-on edges like you'd use on a cheap poster frame. Just a little rigidity goes a long way.

Hmm...never knew edging was available for foam board. Thanks for the info, Jake! And also thanks for letting me know how crucial it is to use acid free materials. The posters and photos on display for the students' dramas will be kept indefinitely so I need to look into all of this.

 

[BackdoorArts]

FYI, I should have looked before posting in the other thread, but there are several makers of acid-free spray adhesive. I didn't see 3M among them, but I've seen the Elmer's stuff at Michael's and expect you could find that there.

 

[hark]

Today I was looking for a craft item for my mother and also used the opportunity to look for mat cutters. I knew the online price of the Logan 450 was $167.95 so when I saw one in AC Moore for a clearance price of $139.99, I bought it. The employee said they don't sell many mat cutters, and AC Moore decided to discontinue selling them.

 

[BackdoorArts]

Today I was looking for a craft item for my mother and also used the opportunity to look for mat cutters. I knew the online price of the Logan 450 was $167.95 so when I saw one in AC Moore for a clearance price of $139.99, I bought it. The employee said they don't sell many mat cutters, and AC Moore decided to discontinue selling them.

Same one I have, and that's a terrific price for it. The "How To" videos they have are a little over simplified, but easy enough to follow. Taking your time and not moving too quickly with the blade is the key to getting the mats right. That and practice.