There are a number of mat cutters on the market. The best of these are the easiest for an inexperienced person to use. Such mat cutters are expensive but will pay for themselves if cutting mats is to be an ongoing activity. The work of art is hinged, usually with Japanese paper and starch paste, to the backboard of the mat, never to the reverse of the window. As shown in figures 1 and 2, part of the hinge is attached to the object and part to the backboard.
Hinges allow the artwork to be removed easily from the board if that becomes necessary.
Under no circumstances should the object be adhered directly to the mount. Alternatives to hinging are discussed toward the end of this leaflet. Traditionally these papers were made by hand, but now Japan exports machine-made papers of suitable quality. They are available in different weights and under a variety of names. The names are not specific and do not guarantee the fiber content of the paper.