Displaying Images - Mat or No Mat

[escapeartist]

Hi all - What is everyone's opinion on using framed mats to present work versus not using mats. I have a last minute opportunity to show a couple photos and would like to save costs by using 12x18 frames without mats. On the other hand I'm torn though because matted & signed photos look much nicer.

The ultimate plan is to buy a mat cutter, but I don't have time at the moment. Thoughts?

[cptrios]

Personally I tend to really dislike mat-less photos unless they're in glass-only frames like these (I just picked the first link off of Google, sorry if it's terrible). I've had a good bit of (aesthetic) success printing photos with a mat-sized white border, signing/dating them, and putting them in one of those frames.

Oh, and another bit of personal advice...when you're thinking of getting a mat cutter, do NOT skimp. Save up and get a nice mounted one with good rails. You'll probably waste more money screwing up cuts than you'd spend on a nice cutter!

[escapeartist]

thanks cptrios. I think I'll just bite the bullet and pay for two custom 10x15 mats in 16x20 frames this time around. I'll definitely take your advice and get a nice cutter when the time comes.