Selling matted prints

[RvltCo]

Hi everyone. Looking for some help/advice on how I should go about matting prints.

Sold my first print online now I'm wanting to be sure the product I send this person is put together as professionally as I can. I had tested some techniques before putting things up for sale, but now I'm having doubts on my method:
1. I tape the top of the photograph to the back of the front mat using archival tape, making two "hinges" towards the corners.
2. I use uncut mat board for the backing. I use acid-free scrapbooking glue around the photograph and stick the backing on.

Here's what concerns me:
I've noticed that with the test ones I've done the front mat has bowed outward, peeling free from glue in the middle area of all sides.
Also, this method of using an uncut mat board for the back seems thick... some frames I bought do not allow me to put this in without enough room for the frame back that has the mounts/stand. Are some frames thick enough to handle this? I am not including frames so I don't want customers to deal with too much trouble trying to find frames that work.
Seems cheap, but does anyone use construction paper, or something of similar thickness? It would provide a backing to keep photo from being skewed but wouldn't add thickness.

Advice/comments/suggestions? It's important my customers get a solid product. I'm shipping these to them unframed, and want a well-presented, professional piece to arrive.

[sarahle]

This very evening..I am going into class to do my first matting much like you describe. I have not heard of this issue from our professor. My only suggestion is that perhaps if there is a community college near you that has a photography program, just schedule a few minutes w/one of the professors or student teachers. They would be glad to help you I'm sure. Congrats on selling your work! Sorry I couldn't help any more than this little piece of thought.