Have you ever admired a beautifully framed picture, noticing how the matting makes the artwork truly pop? That perfect cut mat makes a big difference! But if you’re looking to do your own framing, choosing the right mat cutter can feel like a puzzle. There are so many different kinds, and it’s tough to know which one will give you those clean, professional-looking cuts you want.
Many people find themselves frustrated with wobbly lines or uneven edges when they try to cut mats with just a regular craft knife. This can lead to disappointing results and wasted expensive mat board. You want your precious photos and artwork to look their best, and a good mat cutter is key to achieving that polished finish.
In this blog post, we’ll break down what you need to know about mat cutters for framing. We’ll explore the different types available, what features to look for, and how to pick the perfect one for your needs. By the end, you’ll feel confident choosing a tool that will help you create stunning framed pieces every time, saving you money and giving you a rewarding new skill!
Our Top 5 Mat Cutter For Framing Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Mat Cutter For Framing Detailed Reviews
1. Retractable Mat Cutter – 45° Bevel Blade Mat Board Cutting Cutter Tool for Framing
Rating: 9.3/10
Level up your framing game with the Retractable Mat Cutter. This handy tool makes creating custom mats for your artwork and photos a breeze. It’s designed for both beginners and experienced crafters, giving you professional results every time.
What We Like:
- The retractable safety blade pops back in automatically, keeping you safe.
- Changing the blade is super easy and doesn’t need any tools.
- You can adjust the cutting depth for different materials, up to 8-ply matboard.
- It cuts with a perfect 45° bevel for a clean, professional look.
- The non-slip guides help you make flawless, smooth edges.
- It’s small and light, so you can take it anywhere – craft fairs, workshops, or just your home studio.
- There’s even space to store extra blades and rulers right on the cutter.
- It works on many materials like foam core, acid-free boards, and even vinyl.
- The ergonomic grip and easy-to-follow guides mean you’ll be cutting like a pro in no time.
- Even first-time users get great results quickly.
What Could Be Improved:
- While great for most tasks, it might struggle with extremely thick or dense materials beyond its stated 8-ply limit.
- The built-in ruler storage could be a bit more secure to prevent rulers from slipping out.
This mat cutter is a fantastic tool for anyone looking to add a professional touch to their framing projects. You’ll be creating beautiful custom mats with ease.
2. Logan Graphics Compact Classic Versatile Portable Mat Cutter Model 301-1
Rating: 9.1/10
The Logan Graphics Compact Classic Versatile Portable Mat Cutter Model 301-1 is a fantastic tool for anyone who loves framing their artwork or photos. This mat cutter helps you create professional-looking beveled mats. It’s designed for all your framing needs.
What We Like:
- It creates beautiful, beveled mats for your projects.
- It comes with both a bevel cutting head and a straight cut knife.
- The parallel mat guide gives you more cutting options.
- The open-ended design lets you cut materials longer than 32 inches. You just slide the material through.
- It’s portable, making it easy to take to different places.
- The kit includes a cutting board, mat guide, bevel cutter, straight cut knife, and an instruction manual.
What Could Be Improved:
- It only works with standard thickness 4-ply mat board.
- It requires Logan 270 blades, which you’ll need to buy separately if you run out.
This mat cutter is a solid choice for hobbyists and DIY framers. It offers great versatility for creating custom mats.
3. NT Professional Mat Cutter
Rating: 9.0/10
The NT Professional Mat Cutter (MAT-45P) is a tool designed for precise mat cutting. It creates a clean 45-degree bevel cut, perfect for framing projects. The aluminum die-cast grip offers a sturdy feel, and it comes with a non-slip rubber base-sheet to keep your ruler steady. You can also use the included non-slip seals under your own ruler for even more stability. This cutter works well on mat board and foam board.
What We Like:
- It makes a clean 45-degree bevel cut, which is great for framing.
- The aluminum die-cast grip feels strong and reliable.
- A non-slip rubber base-sheet is included to help your ruler stay put.
- You get extra non-slip seals to make your own ruler more stable.
- It can cut through mat board and foam board.
What Could Be Improved:
- New users might need some practice to get the best results.
- To get a clean cut, you need to score the mat board a few times instead of cutting all at once.
- You need to be careful with how much of the blade is sticking out – about 0.3mm is recommended.
With a little practice and by following the tips for clean cuts, this mat cutter can help you achieve professional-looking results for your framing needs.
4. Logan LOG2000 Jn Mat Cutter Retractable Blade
Rating: 8.7/10
The Logan LOG2000 Jn Mat Cutter Retractable Blade, Multicolor is a handy tool for anyone who needs to cut mats. Its push-style design makes it simple to operate. Because it’s made from natural materials, each cutter has its own special look and feel. You can be sure you’re getting a quality product because it’s manufactured right here in the United States.
What We Like:
- Easy push-style operation makes cutting mats a breeze.
- The natural materials give each cutter a unique, one-of-a-kind appearance.
- Made in the USA means good quality and support for American manufacturing.
- The retractable blade adds a layer of safety when not in use.
- The multicolor design adds a touch of personality to your crafting tools.
What Could Be Improved:
- The natural characteristics, while unique, might mean slight variations in appearance that some users may not expect.
- As a specialized mat cutter, it might not be suitable for cutting materials other than mats.
Overall, the Logan LOG2000 Jn Mat Cutter offers a straightforward and unique way to handle your mat-cutting projects. Its American-made quality and distinctive natural features make it a solid choice for crafters.
5. Bevel Mat Cutter with 5 Blades
Rating: 8.6/10
Ready to give your photos and artwork a professional touch? This Bevel Mat Cutter with 5 Blades is your new best friend for framing. It’s designed to make cutting perfect 45-degree angles easy, even if you’re new to matting.
What We Like:
- Ready to use right away: It comes with everything you need, including 5 extra blades, so you can start cutting as soon as you get it.
- Clean, professional cuts: It makes sharp 45-degree bevel cuts that make your framed pieces look like they came from a pro shop.
- Adjustable blade depth: You can change how deep the blade cuts. This helps you get a perfect cut on different thicknesses of mat board.
- Easy to control: It has marks to show you where to start and stop cutting. This helps you make accurate cuts and avoid mistakes, which is great for beginners.
- Works with other tools: You can use it by itself or with different rail systems if you want to do more advanced mat cutting.
- Safe and steady: The blade slot is designed to keep cuts straight, and the blade retracts for safety.
- Reliable support: If anything goes wrong, their support team is there to help you quickly.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it works well on its own, using it with a rail system (sold separately) might be necessary for very precise, long cuts.
This mat cutter is a fantastic tool for anyone wanting to improve their framing projects. It’s simple to use and delivers great results.
Choosing the Right Mat Cutter for Your Framing Projects
Getting your artwork or photos ready for framing often means using a mat. A mat helps your piece stand out and protects it. But to get those clean, professional-looking cuts, you need a good mat cutter. This guide will help you find the best one for your needs.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a mat cutter, keep these important features in mind:
- Cutting Depth: This tells you how thick of a mat board the cutter can handle. Most standard mat boards are around 1/8 inch thick. Make sure the cutter can go a bit deeper for thicker materials.
- Blade Type: Most mat cutters use sharp, replaceable blades. Look for cutters that use standard utility knife blades or specialized mat cutter blades. Easy blade replacement is key.
- Measuring and Guide Rails: A good mat cutter will have clear measurements printed on it. Guide rails help you make straight and accurate cuts. Some have adjustable rails for different mat widths.
- Angle of Cut: Mat cutters are designed to make a beveled edge, which is a slight angle on the cut. This makes the mat look professional. Most cutters offer a standard 45-degree bevel.
- Portability and Storage: If you have limited space or plan to move your cutter around, consider its size and weight. Some cutters fold up for easy storage.
2. Important Materials
The materials used in a mat cutter affect its durability and performance.
- Base: The base is usually made of sturdy plastic or metal. Metal bases are generally more durable and stable.
- Cutting Head: The part that holds the blade is often made of metal for strength.
- Guide Rails: These are typically made of metal or hard plastic. Smooth-gliding rails are important for clean cuts.
- Blades: Blades are almost always made of high-carbon steel for sharpness and durability.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a mat cutter great or not so great.
- Sharpness of Blades: This is the most important factor. Dull blades will tear the mat board instead of cutting it cleanly. Always use sharp blades and change them often.
- Stability of the Base: A wobbly base will lead to uneven cuts. A heavier, more stable base is better.
- Smoothness of the Guide Rails: If the cutting head doesn’t move smoothly along the rails, your cuts won’t be straight.
- Accuracy of Measurements: Clear and accurate markings help you measure and cut precisely.
- Ease of Blade Replacement: If it’s hard to change the blade, you might be tempted to use a dull one.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How easy is the cutter to use, and what can you do with it?
- For Beginners: Simple, handheld mat cutters are great for starting out. They are easy to use and don’t take up much space. You can cut straight lines and simple openings for your artwork.
- For Hobbyists: More advanced cutters often have longer cutting bars and better guide systems. These allow for more precise cuts and can handle larger pieces of artwork. You can create double mats or complex window openings.
- For Professionals: Professional-grade mat cutters are built for heavy use. They offer the most accuracy, durability, and features like adjustable stops for repeat cuts. These are ideal for framing shops or artists who mat many pieces.
No matter your skill level, a good mat cutter will make your framing projects look much better. Choose one that fits your budget and how often you plan to use it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mat Cutters
Q: What is the main purpose of a mat cutter?
A: The main purpose of a mat cutter is to create clean, beveled edges on mat boards for framing artwork and photographs.
Q: How often should I change the blade in my mat cutter?
A: You should change the blade every 5-10 cuts, or whenever you notice the cuts are becoming rough or torn.
Q: Can I use a regular utility knife blade in a mat cutter?
A: Some mat cutters can use standard utility knife blades, but specialized mat cutter blades are usually sharper and designed for a cleaner bevel cut.
Q: What does a “beveled edge” mean on a mat?
A: A beveled edge is a slight angle cut on the mat board, which gives a professional and finished look to the opening where your artwork sits.
Q: Are there different types of mat cutters?
A: Yes, there are handheld cutters, mat cutting systems with guide rails, and larger, professional-grade floor models.
Q: What is the difference between a straight cut and a beveled cut?
A: A straight cut goes straight down through the mat board, while a beveled cut goes at an angle, creating a sloping edge.
Q: Can mat cutters cut thick mat board?
A: Most standard mat cutters can handle mat board up to about 1/8 inch thick. For thicker materials, you’ll need a cutter with a greater cutting depth.
Q: What is a “mat cutter system”?
A: A mat cutter system usually includes a cutting bar or track and a cutting head that slides along it for very straight and repeatable cuts.
Q: Is a mat cutter difficult to use for the first time?
A: Most basic mat cutters are quite easy to learn. It’s good to practice on scrap mat board first to get a feel for it.
Q: What are the benefits of using a mat cutter instead of scissors?
A: A mat cutter provides precise, clean, and angled cuts that scissors cannot achieve, resulting in a much more professional appearance for your framed items.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
I’m the recipe developer and food photographer behind Air Fryer at Tiffany’s. I’m also a wife, mom to two adventurous little boys, registered nurse, and live in the great Midwest. Join me as I show you new ways to use your air fryer that you never knew possible.