I don't want a mount

“So, what’s the point of a mount?”

A mount (also known as a mat, or passe-partout) can make all the difference visually to a framed photo, print, or original piece of art.  It provides space around the image, giving a visual break between the art and the frame. Colourful mounts can be carefully chosen to contrast or echo the art.

“But I just don't like mounts. I don’t want one.”

Aside from visual benefits, the mount has other important roles to play. Paper is hygroscopic, absorbing moisture in the air. The mount allows space inside the frame for the art to expand and contract accordingly. Otherwise, the art would push up against the inside edge of the frame, causing unsightly wrinkling, or ‘cockling’.

The mount also keeps the glass off the art, preventing moisture build up from causing the glass to stick to the image. It also avoids the glass damaging the surface, especially with original works, where there may be raised areas of medium, e.g. oil or acrylic.

A properly made, full ‘book mount’ protects your artwork back and front, supporting it in the frame and keeping it away from materials not designed to be in contact with paper.

Float-mounted original by James Lee Duffy

“I’m still not sure. What are the other options?”

You could have your piece float mounted – over the top rather than underneath the mountboard, but this isn’t suitable for all artwork, is more invasive, and arguably less reversible, should you want to change the framing in the future. It could be ‘dry mounted’ (basically, stuck) to a secondary board to prevent movement, but this is permanent and affects value, so should only be done on inexpensive, replaceable items.

“OK, I’ll have a mount then. But does it have to be boring?”

Sometimes a simple, off-white mount is all you need. But there are lots of other options. Double mounts can add drama or a splash of colour, you might choose a suedette for a touch of luxury, or have a very bespoke mount made by us, from a favourite wallpaper, for example.  

A black core mount works well with this linocut print by Joan MacKarell @joanmackarrell

Extra thick mounts add depth, and are especially good for very small things. Black core mounts look modern, and suit posters very well. You might opt to have the mount hand-painted, to match a colour in the artwork. Mounts needn't make your frame huge either - sometimes just an inch or two will do.

“Maybe I want it to be really big and brightly coloured…”

So, you hate off-white. That’s fine! At Creative Frames we are more than happy to play with colours. We’ll even get the neons out if you ask nicely. BUT…

Bear in mind that not all dyes used in mountboard are conservation-friendly, so if your piece is very valuable or sensitive, a colourful board may not be suitable. And, if you don’t want to budget for anti-reflective glass, which contains a UV filter, they may fade over time. Luckily for you, we are happy to advise on suitability, and will always recommend the best mounts and glazing for each piece.

A very bespoke mount, that adds to the collage artwork (by Alison Swan, @paperclaygirl)

At Creative Frames we approach every job, from your child’s latest masterpiece to a Picasso

etching, with conservation and reversibility in mind. We use good quality, PH neutral mountboard, which won’t yellow over time, or damage the artwork underneath. You’re welcome!

We hope we’ve shown you that the mount is an important part of your bespoke frame and that, with a bit of creative thinking, you can even learn to love it.

Ready to choose your mount? Make an appointment