Mounting Methods

What is mounting?

Mounting is the process of securing art to a surface, often an archival foam board, to prevent movement within the frame. 

What are my mounting options?

Dry Mount

A low-grade heat press is used to secure art to an archival dry-adhesive mounting board. Dry-mounted art is smooth and flat. 

• Recommended for: rolled artwork, photographs, art over 16x20, and work on heavy or glossy paper
• Available with: Core Collection 

Dry Mount to Hidden Lift

A permanent acid-free, heat-activated adhesive secures the art to a hidden acid-free foam core lift, so it appears to float above the bottom mat. The artwork will be smooth and flat.

• Recommended for: Artwork with a deckle edge, original artwork
• Available with: Core Collection 

Hinge Mount to Hidden Lift

Art is secured to an archival foam core lift, to appear floating above the bottom mat. The artwork will retain its natural wave and texture.

• Recommended for: Artwork with a deckle edge, original artwork
• Available with: Core and Black Label Collections

Hinge Mount without Lift

A minimal number of spaciously distributed linen tape hinges are used to secure art to an archival mat board. With limited adhesive, the artwork will retain its natural wave and texture. The hinges can be removed by a professional.

• Recommended for: watercolors, delicate or uneven materials, kid's artwork
• Available with: Core and Black Label Collections

Sewn

Fabric is steamed, then hand-stitched along the edge onto a linen mat. All textiles will retain their natural wave and may expand over time. An archival adhesive may be used to help secure the fabric to the mounting board. 

• Recommended for: scarves, textiles, flags
• Available with: Core and Black Label Collections

Cold Mount

A non-heated press is used in combination with a pressure-activated adhesive to secure art to the mounting surface. Cold-mounted art is smooth and flat. We offer the following rigid and lightweight mounting surfaces in combination with cold mounting:

• Gator Board: an acid-free wood veneer with a polystyrene foam core. 
• Sintra: an acid-free plastic surface
• Dibond: an archival aluminum composite surface with a polyethylene core. Recommended for fine art photography, museums, and galleries. 
• Available with: Black Label Collection