Have you ever picked out the perfect picture frame, only to realize it still doesn’t showcase your art or photo quite right? That missing “wow” factor is often found in the mount—the piece that surrounds your image inside the frame.
Understanding custom mounts can make all the difference, whether you want to elevate a cherished photo or protect a valuable artwork. In this article, we’ll explain what custom mounts are, how they’re made to fit your needs, and share simple tips to create a beautifully framed piece.
Related Video
How Are Picture Frame Mounts Custom Made? A Comprehensive Guide
Customizing picture frame mounts—also known as photo mats or mounts—is the perfect way to elevate the look of any artwork, photograph, or collectible. Whether you want a sleek, modern display or a classic, traditional finish, custom mounts are tailored specifically to fit your piece and frame, providing extra flair and protection.
In this guide, you’ll discover how custom picture frame mounts are made, the steps involved in the process, what to consider when designing your own, benefits and challenges, as well as practical advice for getting the perfect result.
What Are Custom Picture Frame Mounts?
A picture frame mount (often just called a “mount” or “mat board”) is a thick, decorative piece of card or board placed between the picture and the frame. It serves both decorative and practical purposes:
– It highlights and enhances the visual impact of the artwork or photograph.
– It separates the artwork from the glass, protecting it from moisture and sticking.
– It allows for flexibility in framing different sizes and shapes.
When you “go custom,” you direct the size, color, shape, and style of the mat to suit your exact needs and vision. This approach is preferable for unique artwork, unusual sizes, creative effects, or simply achieving a polished, gallery-quality result.
The Custom Mounting Process: Step-by-Step
Let’s walk through the standard process for creating a custom picture frame mount. While shops and online services may handle some steps for you, understanding the process gives you full creative control.
1. Measure Your Artwork and Frame
- Use a ruler or tape measure to get the exact width and height of your artwork (the “image size”).
- Measure the rabbet—the inside lip—of your chosen frame, which is the maximum size the mount should be.
- Decide how much of the artwork you want visible within the mount window (typically 2-3mm less than the image size so it neatly overlaps the edges).
2. Choose the Mount Board Material
- Cardboard/Standard Mountboard: The most common, available in different thicknesses (usually 1.4-2mm).
- Conservation/Acid-Free Board: Protects artwork from discoloration; essential for valuable pieces.
- Museum Board: The highest quality—100% cotton, archival standard.
3. Select a Color and Finish
- Mat boards come in a vast range of shades, textures, and finishes: from pure white to deep blacks, brights, pastels, and textured options.
- Think about the colors in your artwork and where the finished piece will hang. Neutral or complimentary colors work best in most spaces.
4. Design the Mount Window (Aperture)
- The window is the central cutout that displays the image.
- You can choose standard rectangles, multiple-window layouts (for collage frames), or even more creative shapes.
- Decide on standard or “bottom weighted” (wider border at the bottom) layouts for aesthetic balance.
5. Decide on Borders and Sizes
- Common border widths: 2 inches for small artwork, up to 4 inches for larger pieces.
- Borders can be equal on all sides or intentionally varied for visual effect (bottom weighted).
6. Order or Cut the Mount
- You can order mounts cut to your exact specifications from online suppliers using their mount builders.
- DIY enthusiasts with proper tools can cut mounts themselves using a precision mat cutter, ruler, and sharp blade.
7. Assemble Your Framed Piece
- Lay your artwork flat against the back of the mount, ensuring it’s centered.
- Secure lightly with acid-free tape or photo corners—avoid strong adhesives directly on valuable artwork.
- Fit the mount and artwork into the frame, add the backing board, and secure.
Benefits of Custom Picture Mounts
Custom mounts are about more than just aesthetics. Here’s why they’re the go-to choice for displaying special pieces:
- Perfect Fit: Made-to-measure for both artwork and frame, ensuring nothing is cropped awkwardly or left adrift.
- Enhanced Presentation: The right color and border can make colors in your artwork pop and add a professional touch to even the simplest photo.
- Protection: Keeps artwork away from glass, reducing the risk of moisture, mildew, or sticking.
- Preservation: Acid-free and archival-quality mountboards protect valuable or sentimental pieces.
- Creative Expression: Multiple windows, decorative corners, or unique shapes give your display a personalized feel.
Challenges and Considerations
While custom mounts offer many benefits, bear in mind:
- Measurement Accuracy: Even a millimeter off can spoil alignment. Double-check all dimensions before ordering or cutting.
- Choice Overload: With hundreds of color and finish combinations, picking the right one can be tricky.
- Cost: Custom cuts and premium boards cost more than off-the-shelf solutions.
- Lead Time: If ordering online or from a specialist, allow for extra fulfillment and shipping time.
- DIY Difficulty: Achieving precision cuts at home can be challenging; mistakes mean wasted materials.
Practical Tips for Success
Here’s how you can make the most of your custom mounting experience:
- Test With Paper: Before placing a full order or cutting your own mat, use plain paper or card to create a template for the window and borders. Check how your artwork sits within it.
- Color Swatches: Request or buy a sample pack of matboard colors. Hold them next to your artwork in different lights.
- Conservation First: For irreplaceable or valuable pieces, always opt for acid-free, archival materials.
- Mount Builder Tools: Many online frame and mount shops offer easy-to-use online designers. Enter your measurements, see previews, and tweak your order.
- Layered Looks: Ask about “double matting” for extra depth and contrast—this uses two mat boards, each in a different color.
- Shipping Costs: Order multiple mounts at once if you’re framing several pieces to reduce shipping fees—most printers and frame stores combine orders for lower rates.
- Local vs. Online: Local framers offer face-to-face advice and swatch viewing, but online suppliers often provide greater customization and lower prices.
Cost Tips and Shipping Advice
Custom mounts range in price based on material, size, and complexity:
- Single Small Mount (Standard Board): Usually the most affordable.
- Larger Sizes or Archival Materials: Expect higher prices.
- Multi-aperture Designs: More labor, so more cost.
Cost-saving tips:
– Bundle multiple mounts or frames in one order to save on shipping.
– Standard-size boards (e.g., A4, A3) or rectangular apertures are less expensive than highly custom shapes.
– Compare prices across suppliers, but factor in delivery speed and quality guarantees.
– Reusing frames? Order new custom mounts to refresh old displays at lower cost than new frames.
Common Features of Online Custom Mount Services
Many popular custom frame and mount stores offer:
- Interactive online design tools: Preview your mount, choose colors, and adjust border widths.
- Wide selection of standard and conservation-grade mat boards.
- Multi-window (multi-aperture) layouts for displaying collections or photo collages.
- Fast cut-to-size services, shipping directly to your home for DIY assembly.
- Advice sections on measuring, designing, and mounting for beginners.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I measure my artwork and frame for a custom mount?
Measure your artwork’s width and height precisely. Decide how much of the image’s edge (typically 2-3mm) to cover with the mat overlap. Next, measure the inside size of your frame (the “rabbet”). These two measurements determine your mat window and external mount size.
Can I order a custom mount online without visiting a shop?
Absolutely! Most modern frame stores and online suppliers offer easy tools to enter your artwork and frame dimensions, select colors, and see a digital preview. Your cut-to-size mount is then delivered by post, ready to fit.
Are custom mounts only for photos and artworks?
No, custom mounts work for a variety of items: collectibles, medals, embroidery, certificates, and even sports shirts. Choose deeper or reinforced mountboards for heavier or three-dimensional objects.
What’s the difference between a standard and conservation (acid-free) mount board?
Standard mountboards are affordable and ideal for everyday work. Conservation or acid-free boards use materials that prevent chemical reactions that can yellow, fade, or damage artwork—vital for valuable or irreplaceable items.
Can I cut my own custom mounts at home?
Yes, with the right tools: a precision mat cutter, steel ruler, and sharp blades. Take your time, measure carefully, and practice on spare card before cutting your final board. Mistakes are common when learning, so patience pays off.
In Summary
Custom picture frame mounts add professionalism, personality, and protection to your framed pieces. Whether you frame a cherished photograph, unique artwork, or a collectible, a made-to-measure mount guarantees a perfect fit and a display that suits your vision. Take your time with measurements, material choices, and color picking. Don’t hesitate to seek advice or use online tools. Your custom mount will turn any frame into a gallery-worthy statement.