Mounting
Window Mount
Also known as a “mat” or “passe-partout”, this method creates a window around the artwork, providing a border and space between the artwork and the frame. The window mount is the visible front piece, with a cut-out or aperture that exposes the artwork. It then has a second piece of card to provide the artwork with a solid backing.
The “window” mount is cut with a 45-degree bevel edge and is often combined with a second “inner” mount which picks out a colour from the artwork. We only use acid free mount boards to ensure that your artwork is protected from the potential damage caused by cheaper materials.
Our state-of-the-art computerised mount cutter can cut elaborate and shaped apertures along with any design of multi aperture mounts.
Float Mount
Float mounting, or “floating”, means your artwork sits on top of a solid piece of mount board, as opposed to being behind an aperture in the mount board. This technique is a popular choice for contemporary artworks and works particularly well for pieces with “deckled” edges (torn like edges) as it allows the full artwork to be displayed.
For lower priced artworks acid free double-sided tape is used to adhere the work to the backing board. For more sentimental or higher value pieces we can use a conservation method to ensure your artwork is easily removable from the frame and in the same condition as it was prior to framing.
When mounting using this method it is best to combine it with a deep frame so that spacers can be added to prevent your artwork from touching the glass.
Raised Float Mount
This technique again gives the impression that your artwork is “floating” in the frame, but with the addition of space between the backing board and the artwork, creating a stunning shadow effect around the paper edges.
As with float mounting acid free double-sided tape is used to adhere the work to the backing board. For more sentimental or higher value pieces we use a conservation method, but this time we float the artwork on a backing board slightly smaller than the work, so it is hidden. We then raise this on a foam board creating the exaggerated “float”.
No Mount
For a more minimalist and sleeker look you may want to consider framing your artwork to paper edge, whilst still ensuring that it is 100% safe by spacing it back away from the glazing.
For this technique we rest the artwork on the spacer before backing with a thick core mount board. For larger works, we may need to “float” your work to a backing card to prevent it from sagging through the spacers.
The spacer separating the glass and artwork can match the paper colour, the external colour of the frame or can pick out one of the colours from the artwork.
