{"id":16459,"date":"2017-11-30T20:52:19","date_gmt":"2017-12-01T01:52:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/65.175.118.96\/?p=16459"},"modified":"2025-09-25T14:57:49","modified_gmt":"2025-09-25T18:57:49","slug":"hinging-mats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/hinging-mats\/","title":{"rendered":"Hinging Mats | Archival Methods&#8217; Expert How-To Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>We&#8217;ll take a look at some of the best practices for hinging your own window mats. It&#8217;s a simple process and you&#8217;ll only need a few inexpensive tools. Here&#8217;s a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=EW2zyVtWBbc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">short video<\/a> demonstrating the process.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.archivalmethods.com\/product\/burnishing-bones#nomobile\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"760\" height=\"583\" data-src=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hinging-Mats-with-Burnishing-Bones-lo-res.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16710 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hinging-Mats-with-Burnishing-Bones-lo-res.jpg 760w, https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hinging-Mats-with-Burnishing-Bones-lo-res-600x460.jpg 600w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 760px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 760\/583;\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Tools You&#8217;ll Need<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\"><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 14pt;\">Some of the tools you&#8217;ll need for hinging mats: a pair of sharp scissors for cutting your hinging tape, a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.archivalmethods.com\/product\/burnishing-bones#nomobile\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Burnishing Bone<\/a> in the size that suits you, a roll of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.archivalmethods.com\/product\/linen-tyvek-tape#nomobile\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tyvek or Linen Tape<\/a> for the actual hinge, a clean sponge or rag if using Linen Tape, and a clean work surface.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.archivalmethods.com\/product\/burnishing-bones#nomobile\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"382\" data-src=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hinging-Tools-copy-600x382.jpg\" alt=\"hinging mats\" class=\"wp-image-16802 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hinging-Tools-copy-600x382.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hinging-Tools-copy.jpg 760w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 600\/382;\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 14pt;\">Depending on which technique you use to hinge your mat, you may also need a utility knife or X-acto blade. Always work with sharp blades. M<\/span><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 14pt;\">ake sure you wipe off any oil that might be on a new blade, as they are often coated during manufacture to prevent them from rusting prior to purchase.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hinging Tapes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 14pt;\">Archival Methods generally recommends two types of tape for hinging mats: self-adhesive <a href=\"https:\/\/www.archivalmethods.com\/product\/linen-tyvek-tape#nomobile\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tyvek Tape<\/a> and moisture-activated <a href=\"https:\/\/www.archivalmethods.com\/product\/linen-tyvek-tape#nomobile\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Linen Tape<\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 14pt;\">Tyvek Tape is easy to use, as you just cut the length you need, peel off the backing, apply it to your mat and backing board, and burnish it down with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.archivalmethods.com\/product\/burnishing-bones#nomobile\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Burnishing Bone<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 14pt;\">Linen Tape adds another step, as it&#8217;s water-activated and you need to moisten it before joining your mat and backing board. Linen Tape is a bit more forgiving if you need to reposition your tape when hinging.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.archivalmethods.com\/product\/linen-tyvek-tape#nomobile\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"546\" height=\"600\" data-src=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Tyvek-Tape-copy-2-546x600.jpg\" alt=\"hinging mats\" class=\"wp-image-16739 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Tyvek-Tape-copy-2-546x600.jpg 546w, https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Tyvek-Tape-copy-2.jpg 692w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 546px) 100vw, 546px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 546px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 546\/600;\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.archivalmethods.com\/product\/linen-tyvek-tape#nomobile\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"522\" height=\"600\" data-src=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Linen-Tape-copy-522x600.jpg\" alt=\"hinging mats\" class=\"wp-image-15754 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Linen-Tape-copy-522x600.jpg 522w, https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Linen-Tape-copy.jpg 661w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 522px) 100vw, 522px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 522px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 522\/600;\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 14pt;\">While both tapes work equally well and are 100% archival, some &#8220;purists&#8221; insist on using Linen Tape as it is the traditional material for hinging mats at major museums, galleries and frame shops, while Tyvek Tape offers peel and stick convenience.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Measuring Your Hinging Tape<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 14pt;\">Both Tyvek and Linen Tape come in 1&#8243; and 1-1\/2&#8243; width rolls. The extra width of the 1-1\/2&#8243; tape will add a bit more surface area to your hinge.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 14pt;\">For 11 x 14&#8243; mats and smaller, 1&#8243; hinging tape will work fine. For anything larger than this consider using the 1-1\/2&#8243; width.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 14pt;\">If you&#8217;re still not sure, go with 1-1\/2&#8243; and you&#8217;ll be all set for any size hinging you need to do.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.archivalmethods.com\/product\/linen-tyvek-tape#nomobile\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"359\" data-src=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Matting-HingingTapes-on-Board-600x359.jpg\" alt=\"1 inch linen tape and 1-1\/2 inch tyvek tape comparison\" class=\"wp-image-8696 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Matting-HingingTapes-on-Board-600x359.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Matting-HingingTapes-on-Board.jpg 713w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 600\/359;\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 14pt;\">As for length of your hinge, there are two schools of thought. In this photo of a unassembled mat the hinge <em>does not<\/em> extend from edge-to-edge. This is perfectly fine, as you will find everyone from museum professionals to gallerists to Archival Methods hinging mats this way.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.archivalmethods.com#nomobile\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"332\" data-src=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hinging-Tape-Short-lo-res-600x332.jpg\" alt=\"hinging mats\" class=\"wp-image-16713 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hinging-Tape-Short-lo-res-600x332.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hinging-Tape-Short-lo-res.jpg 760w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 600\/332;\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 14pt;\">In this one the hinge <em>does<\/em> extend to the edges, in fact it runs past each edge on purpose and you will need the sharp knife mentioned above to trim the excess tape once it has been adhered.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.archivalmethods.com#nomobile\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"388\" data-src=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hinging-Tape-Long-lo-res-600x388.jpg\" alt=\"hinging mats\" class=\"wp-image-16712 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hinging-Tape-Long-lo-res-600x388.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hinging-Tape-Long-lo-res.jpg 760w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 600\/388;\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 14pt;\">So what should you do? It&#8217;s personal a choice. The first method is more efficient and less wasteful since there&#8217;s no trimming involved. The second method is a traditional, alternate way to hinge your mats.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hinge Along the Top or on the Longest Edge<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 14pt;\">In terms of which side to hinge your mat, some individuals will always hinge along one of the long sides. In theory a long-side hinge will lend greater structural support. Others will always hinge across the top of the mat (this will be a long side for a horizontal mat and a short side for a vertical mat), as that is a traditional standard practice. In the end it too is a personal choice.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Common Hinging Mistakes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Hinging mats is a relatively straight-forward<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"> process of <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">orienting your window mat and backing board correctly; then lining up your hinging tape dead-center over the junction of the two pieces of mat board.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.archivalmethods.com\/product\/linen-tyvek-tape#nomobile\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"350\" data-src=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hinging-Crooked-Tape-lo-res-600x350.jpg\" alt=\"hinging mats\" class=\"wp-image-16708 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hinging-Crooked-Tape-lo-res-600x350.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hinging-Crooked-Tape-lo-res.jpg 760w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 600\/350;\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">In the photo above there are two fairly obvious problem<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">s. T<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">he two contact edges are in fact <em>not<\/em> in contact (there&#8217;s a significant gap at the top). And<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"> the tape h<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">as been placed on a diagonal across the areas we wish to hinge. It is not parallel to nor evenly centered on the seam.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 14pt;\">By practicing a few times with scrap board you&#8217;ll get the hang of addressing these issues correctly.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 14pt;\">Here&#8217;s another potential problem. In the photo below: <strong><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">1.<\/span> <\/strong>the tape is running straight, and it <em>perfectly<\/em> straddles the junction between the window mat and the backing board; <strong><span style=\"color: #008000;\">2.<\/span><\/strong> the window mat and backing board are lined up correctly; <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>3.<\/strong><\/span> but we didn&#8217;t flip the window mat over and have thus applied our tape to the <em>front<\/em>, beveled side of the mat = trashed mat. Be sure that the beveled side of your mat faces <em>down<\/em> when hinging.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.archivalmethods.com\/category\/window-mat-cutting#nomobile\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"760\" height=\"574\" data-src=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hinging-Wrong-Side-copy-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-17137 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hinging-Wrong-Side-copy-2.jpg 760w, https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hinging-Wrong-Side-copy-2-600x453.jpg 600w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 760px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 760\/574;\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 14pt;\">Here&#8217;s the last common mistake we&#8217;re all familiar with. This is a &#8220;weighted&#8221; mat, which means that the bottom border of the mat is a bit wider than the top border. This &#8220;weighting&#8221; is done by most museums, galleries and frame shops to make the mat look proportionally correct when it&#8217;s hanging on the wall. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 14pt;\">This is another problem of orientation, as we&#8217;ve inadvertently hinged the <em>bottom<\/em> of the mat (where the &#8220;weighing&#8221; is) and not either the top or side, where your hinge should <em>always<\/em> be located.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.archivalmethods.com\/category\/window-mat-cutting#nomobile\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"760\" height=\"549\" data-src=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hinged-Wrong-Side-Lo-Res.jpg\" alt=\"hinging mats\" class=\"wp-image-16747 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hinged-Wrong-Side-Lo-Res.jpg 760w, https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hinged-Wrong-Side-Lo-Res-600x433.jpg 600w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 760px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 760\/549;\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Hinging Mats: <\/span>How to Do It Right<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 14pt;\">In this photo we&#8217;ve used <a href=\"https:\/\/www.archivalmethods.com\/product\/black-100-cotton-museum-board#nomobile\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Black Museum Board <\/a> for the window mat and backing board<\/span><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 14pt;\"> because it makes the mat&#8217;s window at the top and the tape hinge in the center more visible.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"359\" height=\"600\" data-src=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Matting-Hinging-Mat-copy-2-359x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16787 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Matting-Hinging-Mat-copy-2-359x600.jpg 359w, https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Matting-Hinging-Mat-copy-2.jpg 414w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 359px) 100vw, 359px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 359px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 359\/600;\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">To review, always make sure that you have the top window mat oriented correctly, which is <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">1. <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><em>upside down,<\/em> and<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"> wit<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">h the bevel away from you\u2014so when you close the mat after hinging it will be correctly oriented. Also make sure<\/span> the &#8220;weighted&#8221; side of your window mat is toward the <em>top<\/em> when opened like this, so that it&#8217;s at the <em>bottom<\/em> when it&#8217;s closed.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 14pt;\">Cut the Tyvek self-adhesive tape or water-activated Linen Tape to your desired length, usually within a half inch of each side of the mat board if not going edge-to-edge.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.archivalmethods.com\/product\/linen-tyvek-tape#nomobile\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"482\" height=\"600\" data-src=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hinging-Applying-Tape-lo-res-482x600.jpg\" alt=\"hinging mats\" class=\"wp-image-16705 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hinging-Applying-Tape-lo-res-482x600.jpg 482w, https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hinging-Applying-Tape-lo-res.jpg 611w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 482px) 100vw, 482px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 482px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 482\/600;\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 14pt;\">If you wish to hinge edge-to-edge, go about 2&#8243; past <em>each<\/em> side for your hinge to extend across the entire mat. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.archivalmethods.com\/product\/linen-tyvek-tape#nomobile\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"568\" data-src=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Linen-Tape-Extended-copy-600x568.jpg\" alt=\"hinging mats\" class=\"wp-image-16748 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Linen-Tape-Extended-copy-600x568.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Linen-Tape-Extended-copy.jpg 760w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 600\/568;\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\">Helpful Hints: 1. If using a sponge to moisten your Linen Tape, we recommend using a sponge that you reserve <em>only<\/em> for hinging and not anything else. 2. Moisten your tape on a separate sheet of cardboard or wax paper to keep excess water off your work surface. 3. When using Linen Tape try moistening a few pieces of practice tape in order to get a sense of the correct amount of water to apply\u2014too much moisture might saturate your mat and too little might not offer good adhesion.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.archivalmethods.com\/product\/linen-tyvek-tape#nomobile\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"391\" data-src=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hinging-Sponge-copy-600x391.jpg\" alt=\"Moistening linen hinging tape with a sponge\" class=\"wp-image-16801 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hinging-Sponge-copy-600x391.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hinging-Sponge-copy.jpg 760w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 600\/391;\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The dark area on this cardboard is excess water from moistening a strip of Linen Tape.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 14pt;\">When applying your hinging tape, straddle the seam between the top and bottom boards so that the tape is dead-center.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.archivalmethods.com\/product\/linen-tyvek-tape#nomobile\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"345\" data-src=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hinging-Applying-Tape-copy-600x345.jpg\" alt=\"hinging mats\" class=\"wp-image-16735 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hinging-Applying-Tape-copy-600x345.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hinging-Applying-Tape-copy.jpg 760w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 600\/345;\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 14pt;\">Then use a Burnishing Bone to burnish down your tape to ensure good contact and adhesion.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.archivalmethods.com\/product\/burnishing-bones#nomobile\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"474\" height=\"600\" data-src=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hinging-Open-Mat-Burnishing-Bone-lo-res-474x600.jpg\" alt=\"hinging mats\" class=\"wp-image-16711 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hinging-Open-Mat-Burnishing-Bone-lo-res-474x600.jpg 474w, https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hinging-Open-Mat-Burnishing-Bone-lo-res.jpg 601w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 474px) 100vw, 474px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 474px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 474\/600;\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 14pt;\">If you&#8217;re running your hinge across the entire length of your mat, carefully trim it with a sharp knife by using the edge of the hinged mat as a guide. We recommend doing this on a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.archivalmethods.com\/product\/self-healing-cutting-mats#nomobile\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Self-Healing Cutting Mat<\/a> or on a piece of scrap mat board to protect your work surface.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.archivalmethods.com\/product\/self-healing-cutting-mats#nomobile\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"439\" data-src=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Cutting-Tape-1-600x439.jpg\" alt=\"hinging mats\" class=\"wp-image-16749 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Cutting-Tape-1-600x439.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Cutting-Tape-1.jpg 760w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 600\/439;\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 14pt;\">After completing all the steps above, close your mat and &#8220;square it up&#8221; a bit to make sure the hinged window mat and backing board are in alignment at the hinge, and you&#8217;re done!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 14pt;\">Now your mat is ready to mount your image!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.archivalmethods.com#nomobile\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"442\" data-src=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hinging-Finished-Mat-lo-res-600x442.jpg\" alt=\"hinging mats\" class=\"wp-image-16709 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hinging-Finished-Mat-lo-res-600x442.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hinging-Finished-Mat-lo-res.jpg 760w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 600\/442;\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Let Us Do the Work!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 14pt;\">Archival Methods has an easy-to-use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.archivalmethods.com\/product\/custom-mat-cutting\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Custom Mat Ordering Form<\/a> where you can select your custom size window mat from a variety of archival matboards. You have the option to order it with or without a backing board, and whether or not to hinge on the long or short side or not at all. We hinge with archival linen tape.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.archivalmethods.com\/product\/burnishing-bones#nomobile\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"478\" data-src=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Cutting-Mat-Board-8-copy-600x478.jpg\" alt=\"hinging mats\" class=\"wp-image-12979 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Cutting-Mat-Board-8-copy-600x478.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Cutting-Mat-Board-8-copy.jpg 760w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 600\/478;\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Our in-house mat cutting is complimented by expert mat hinging.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 14pt;\">Some photographers, artists, and collectors prefer to hinge their mats themselves, so Archival Methods has created products that offer the flexibility of hinging your own mats.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.archivalmethods.com\/product\/archival-mat-and-presentation-kits#nomobile\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"393\" data-src=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Presentation-Kit-blue-600x393.jpg\" alt=\"Archival Mat &amp; Presentation Kit\" class=\"wp-image-12039 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Presentation-Kit-blue-600x393.jpg 600w, https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Presentation-Kit-blue.jpg 760w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 600\/393;\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Archival Mat &amp; Presentation Kit includes everything you need to mat your standard-sized images, including a pre-cut length of Tyvek hinging tape.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 14pt;\">If you would like more information on matting, or on the archival storage and presentation materials that are right for you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/www.archivalmethods.com\/?ip=contactus%2Ecfm#nomobile\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact us<\/a>. We&#8217;re always there to help with any archiving, storage, or presentation questions you may have.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We&#8217;ll take a look at some of the best practices for hinging your own window mats. It&#8217;s a simple process and you&#8217;ll only need a&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":16710,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[35,379],"tags":[52,63,84,83,358,50,129,359,131,82,60,122],"series":[],"class_list":["post-16459","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-feature-articles","category-framing","tag-archival-basics","tag-archival-care","tag-displaying-art","tag-displaying-photographs","tag-hinging-mats","tag-how-to","tag-mat-cutting","tag-mat-hinging","tag-multiple-mats","tag-picture-framing","tag-presentation","tag-presenting-photographs"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Hinging Mats | Archival Methods Expert How-To Guide<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Many of us order pre-cut mats that are delivered already hinged. To learn how to do this, check out our expert tips for hinging mats yourself.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/hinging-mats\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Hinging Mats | Archival Methods Expert How-To Guide\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Many of us order pre-cut mats that are delivered already hinged. To learn how to do this, check out our expert tips for hinging mats yourself.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/hinging-mats\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Archival Methods Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/archivalmethodsrochesterny\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2017-12-01T01:52:19+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-09-25T18:57:49+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/blog.archivalmethods.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hinging-Mats-with-Burnishing-Bones-lo-res.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"760\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"583\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Archival Methods\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@ArchivalMethods\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@ArchivalMethods\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Archival Methods\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"11 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.archivalmethods.com\\\/hinging-mats\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.archivalmethods.com\\\/hinging-mats\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Archival Methods\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.archivalmethods.com\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/f25030ab2880f1124b6f7dc92f69e2f8\"},\"headline\":\"Hinging Mats | Archival Methods&#8217; Expert How-To Guide\",\"datePublished\":\"2017-12-01T01:52:19+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-25T18:57:49+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.archivalmethods.com\\\/hinging-mats\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1410,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.archivalmethods.com\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.archivalmethods.com\\\/hinging-mats\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.archivalmethods.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/Hinging-Mats-with-Burnishing-Bones-lo-res.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"archival basics\",\"archival care\",\"displaying art\",\"displaying photographs\",\"hinging mats\",\"how-to\",\"mat cutting\",\"mat hinging\",\"multiple mats\",\"picture framing\",\"presentation\",\"presenting photographs\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Feature Articles\",\"Framing\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.archivalmethods.com\\\/hinging-mats\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.archivalmethods.com\\\/hinging-mats\\\/\",\"name\":\"Hinging Mats | Archival Methods Expert How-To Guide\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.archivalmethods.com\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.archivalmethods.com\\\/hinging-mats\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.archivalmethods.com\\\/hinging-mats\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/blog.archivalmethods.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/Hinging-Mats-with-Burnishing-Bones-lo-res.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2017-12-01T01:52:19+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-09-25T18:57:49+00:00\",\"description\":\"Many of us order pre-cut mats that are delivered already hinged. 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