What Are Photo Mounts? A Simple Guide to Display Photos in MountsLike a Pro
Picture mounts change your photos' appearance and create a professional finish that draws attention to your artwork. These borders give your images room to breathe and protect them from smudges and discoloration as time passes.
A standard picture mount adds 35mm on each side and costs about £20 extra for online purchases. Its value extends way beyond the visual appeal. This piece will help you learn about photo mounts and how to use them well. You'll discover ways to achieve professional results with mounting materials and techniques, whether you want to showcase a single special photograph or build a gallery wall.
Understanding Photo Mounts: A Complete Beginner's Guide
Let's dive into the world of photo mounts together. You'll learn what these vital framing components are and how they can boost your precious photographs. What are photo mounts and their purpose
A photo mount creates a border around your picture inside a frame. The mount serves two significant purposes: protection and presentation. The mount acts as a protective barrier between your artwork and the glass that prevents damage from condensation or static[1]. Most mounts extend about 35mm on each side[2].
Different types of mounting materials
Photo mounts come in several quality grades that serve different preservation needs:
Conservation Grade: Made from chemically purified wood pulp, these mounts are 1350 microns thick and protect against acidic elements[3] Museum Grade: Crafted from 100% cotton fiber, these premium mounts measure 1400 microns and work best for valuable artwork[3] Standard White-core: These 1400-micron boards give simple protection and work well for everyday photos[3]
When to use photo mounts vs direct framing
Your choice between photo mounts and direct framing can make a big difference in preserving your artwork. We suggest using mounts for all powder pigment based artwork behind glass[3]. Mounting also helps protect delicate pieces and makes them easier to handle safely[4].
All the same, direct framing might work better in some cases. To name just one example, artwork with an existing border might look strange with an extra mount because it creates a "double-border" effect[2]. Space can also be an issue, so you'll need to think about whether the added size from mounting fits your space[2].
Essential Tools and Materials for Photo Mounting
Picking the right tools and materials is vital to create professional-looking photos in mounts. Let me show you everything you need to start this journey. Basic mounting supplies checklist
You'll need these items before you start mounting:
Foam core board or mount board (1400 microns thick)[5]
Acid-free adhesive or mounting tape Soft cloth for cleaning
Large ruler and cutting mat
Sharp craft knife with new blades[6]
Choosing the right mount board
The quality of your mount board plays a significant role in protecting your artwork. We work with four main quality levels:
Museum Level (Level 1): Made from 100% cotton fiber, these boards are naturally acid-free and provide the finest protection for valuable artwork[3].
Conservation Level (Level 2): These boards feature acid-free papers and are buffered with CaCO3. They work great for high-quality art preservation[3]. White Core (Level 3): We often recommend these boards to frame replaceable artwork with high-quality results[3].
Standard Level (Level 4): These boards are affordable for simple framing needs[3].
Professional tools vs budget alternatives
You'll notice the price difference between professional and budget options when you start mounting. A complete professional mounting setup includes specialized cutters and precision tools. But beginners can achieve excellent results with simple supplies that cost around £24.62 for mounting and hanging multiple prints[6].
Your skills will improve and you might want to invest in:
Professional mount cutters for precise edges
Specialized adhesive runners High-quality measuring tools
Note that most mount boards come in sheets sized 1200mm x 815mm [3]. We suggest starting with simple tools and upgrading as you need them. Step-by-Step Guide to Mounting Photos
Let's take a closer look at the practical steps to mount photos like professionals. Now that we have our materials ready, we can create stunning photos in mounts that will last for years.
Preparing your workspace and materials
A clean workspace is vital to protect your precious photos. Here's what you'll need:
A spotless flat surface
Your chosen mount board
Acid-free mounting tape
Clean microfiber cloth
Measuring tools Sharp cutting implements
Measuring and cutting techniques
Our years of experience show that precise measurements make all the difference. Standard-sized photos need a 35mm border on each side of the mount[7]. A metal ruler helps create straight edges, and you should always measure twice before cutting[7].
Larger prints need T-hinges every 20-30cm along the edge[4]. An A2 sized print works best with three T-hinges across the top - one on each side and one in the middle[4].
Securing photos to the mount
The mounting process needs careful attention to detail. Follow these steps:
1. Place your photo face down on a clean surface[8]
2. Apply acid-free tape across the back, leaving half exposed[8]
3. Position the mount board carefully over the photo[8]
4. Press down firmly to secure the tape[8]
The "hang free" method has become our go-to technique. We hinge only the top of the mount to prevent creasing and bending as the image and mountboard naturally expand and contract with temperature changes[8].
Valuable artwork deserves archival tape[7]. This specialized tape will give your mounted photos lasting protection without yellowing or degrading. Standard frame backing tape works well enough for everyday pictures[8].
Larger prints need extra care. The T-hinge method works better than applying tape along the entire top edge because it allows natural expansion and prevents rippling[4]. This approach gives wider prints room to move slightly while staying secure in position.
Common Photo Mounting Mistakes to Avoid
My years of experience mounting photos have shown me countless mistakes that can damage precious artwork. Let me share these common pitfalls and show you how to avoid them.
Incorrect measurements and alignments
Poor planning during the measurement stage is one of the most frequent errors I see. The planning stage deserves most of your attention, which includes accurate mount size calculations and detailed sketched outlines[9]. Your measurements should reference the outside board edge rather than each drawn line because errors can pile up quickly[9].
Double-checking measurements might feel like extra work, but it's worth it. You can easily get distracted and cut the wrong line or edge while working on a multi aperture mount[9]. Take your time to verify each measurement before making cuts.
Poor material choices
The right materials play a vital part in preserving your photos in mounts. Here are materials you should never use:
Standard cheap mount board
Everyday tapes (cellotape, masking tape, parcel tape)
Acidic brown cardboard or MDF backing[10]
Brown tape can be either too sticky or not sticky enough, and its glue can harm your artwork[11]. Use conservation-grade tapes and pH-neutral materials instead [12].
Handling and preservation errors
Many people make the mistake of surrounding artwork with tape on all four sides. This method can warp or distort the paper as it responds to heat and humidity changes[10]. The solution is to attach mounts only on the top edge with tape hinges, letting the other three edges move naturally[10].
A clean workspace makes all the difference. Photos need clean, dry hands or nitrile gloves[13]. Your skin leaves traces of oils and perspiration on photographs even after washing, and these marks become visible as time passes[13].
Keep your photos safe by avoiding these practices:
Using sticky notes on photographs
Applying staples, pins, or paper clips
Walking around with unsupported photographs[13]
Damage from poor handling adds up over time - what looks fine now might show serious problems later[13]. Good handling habits and the right materials will keep your mounted photos in perfect condition for years.
Creative Photo Mount Display Ideas
My experience shows that creating stunning photo displays blends technical skill with creative vision. Let me share some exciting ways your photos can stand out with the right mounts. Single vs multi-photo mounting
Through my mounting trips, I've learned that the choice between single and multi-photo mounting really depends on your storytelling goals. Single mounts shine as statement pieces and offer both protection and visual appeal[1].
Multi-aperture mounts display several themed photographs beautifully with proper planning. To cite an instance, I group my holiday photos by location or color palette which creates a cohesive story[14]. The best results come from using four to eight apertures - this keeps each photo clearly visible[14].
Color coordination techniques
Mount colors can really make your artwork shine. Here's what goes through my mind while picking mount colors:
Pick a dominant color from the artwork to create harmony[15]
Layer your mounts - a thin slip of bright color inside with a lighter shade outside[15]
Match the room's decor where you'll hang the artwork[15]
White works best as the main mount for wedding photos, with accent colors as secondary mounts[16]
Modern mounting trends
The latest design priorities show some exciting developments in photo mounting:
1. Gallery-Style Displays: People love extra-wide borders now (at least 80mm). This creates a gallery feel and lets artwork breathe[17]. 2. Layered Mounting: Multiple mount layers bring sophisticated depth. The bottom layer should be deeper than the top for the best look[17]. 3. Creative Combinations: The newest trend mixes different:
Frame sizes Mount colors
Textures[18]
Linen mats have made a strong comeback in textural elements[19]. These add depth to mounted photos that flat mounts just can't match.
Floating mounts work great in modern spaces - they make artwork look like it's hovering in the frame[19]. This creates a clean, minimal look that puts all eyes on the image.
A technique that works really well involves double mounts with contrasting colors. Take wedding photographs with specific color themes - I use traditional off- white as the main mount and add a thin border of the themed color as an accent[16]. This connects the photograph to its presentation without overpowering the image.
Conclusion
Photo mounting looks tricky at first, but once you grasp the simple steps, it becomes a great way to showcase and protect your precious images. My years working with photos have taught me that good mounting needs both precise technique and creative vision. The right materials can make or break your mounting project. A good mount board combined with proper techniques will give your artwork lasting protection. Museum-grade materials provide the best protection, but standard white-core boards work just fine for everyday photos if you handle them right.
My hands-on work has shown that using wrong adhesives or poor measurements can affect the end result by a lot. A clean workspace and proper handling lead to professional displays that last long.
These days, mounting options go beyond putting up single photos. You can try gallery-style displays with wide borders or experiment with textured materials. These new approaches help tell unique visual stories that grab attention and keep memories safe.
Photo mounting blends art with craftsmanship. Each project is a chance to sharpen your skills and create something special. Start with simple techniques, keep practicing, and you'll see your projects reshape from basic displays into professional pieces that show off your photos beautifully.
References
[1] - https://www.pictureframesexpress.co.uk/blog/picture-framing/how-to-choose-a-mount-color-for-your-photo-or-picture/
[2] - https://www.maxphoto.co.uk/inspire/what-is-a-picture-mount
[3] - https://www.lionpic.co.uk/lion-product-guide/choose-the-right-mount-board/
[4] - https://profileproducts.com.au/blogs/news/how-to-insert-your-photos-into-a-matted-photo-frame-our-step-by-step-guide? srsltid=AfmBOoomqsMg7AzUfr9SIOsDZk9qWCj5WdwN75gulmpU2WARG5QflKZT
[5] - https://www.craftyarts.co.uk/art-supplies-c1/mountboard-mount-cutters-c208?srsltid=AfmBOop2FWHEmUrzk3rDo2uu
972DoyhMRD62AB86_4wdsDVs67fwjVw
[6] - https://www.itsalwaysautumn.com/diy-photo-mounting-for-a-cheap-easy-gallery-wall.html
[7] - https://www.robynwithawhy.com/index.php/2022/01/28/how-to-mount-and-frame-a-picture-a-simple-guide/
[8] - https://www.eframe.co.uk/how-to/mount-a-picture/?srsltid=AfmBOooLudQWKZSjOD3XmqbAwCRF5e1pMQibLE6X0sDmO3HKOBAgqQqp [9] - http://blog.ukpictureframingsupplies.co.uk/picture-mounting/creating-a-multi-aperture-picture-mount/
[10] - http://blog.ukpictureframingsupplies.co.uk/picture-mounting/conservation-mounting-protection-artwork/
[11] - https://www.pictureframestudio.co.uk/blog/2014/06/5-top-picture-framing-mistakes-to-avoid/
[12] - https://www.americanframe.com/pictureframeblog/choosing-the-right-mounting-materials?
srsltid=AfmBOopkhMw3tmg39B2r_zRVXznIQc8tvT6JoiCbGxpa_26U1RDHrjVD
[13] - https://www.preservationequipment.com/Blog/Blog-Posts/Handling-photographs-best-practice-guide
[14] - https://www.sohoframes.co.uk/framing-services/unique-frames/when-should-you-use-multi-aperture-photo-frames/
[15] - https://www.pictureframestudio.co.uk/blog/2015/04/step-by-step-3-steps-to-choosing-the-perfect-mount-for-your-picture-frame/ [16] - https://picturegalleryuk.com/picture-frames-and-mounts-tips-and-advice
[17] - https://www.eframe.co.uk/blog/7-trends-we-love-for-framing-art-in-2023/?srsltid=AfmBOooBEPPZpsVfATL0Pc7Smllpb8s_vZG8nxzZ_SB0u6Via2vpS5XP [18] - https://worldunderglass.co.uk/2024/07/25/embracing-vibrancy-the-rise-of-trendy-and-colorful-picture-frames-in-2024/
[19] - https://www.framingdenver.com/blog/framing-trends-to-watch-in-fall-2024
