How To Mount Artwork On Mat Board: Displaying Tips

Mounting artwork on mat board is an essential skill for showcasing your art professionally. Whether you are framing a photograph, a painting, or any other type of artwork, proper mounting techniques can enhance its visual presentation and ensure its long-term preservation.

In this section, I will guide you through the step-by-step process of mounting artwork on mat board, including adhesive and non-adhesive methods, as well as tips for securing the mat board to a backing board.

Key Takeaways:

• Mounting artwork on mat board enhances its visual presentation and preserves it for the long term.
• There are adhesive and non-adhesive methods for mounting artwork on mat board.
• Consider the size of the mat board, opening size, and artwork size when choosing the appropriate method.
• Adhesive methods involve using household tape or other types of adhesive to attach the artwork.
• Non-adhesive methods include photo corners and mounting strips.

Adhesive Methods for Mounting Your Artwork

When it comes to mounting artwork on mat board, adhesive methods offer a convenient and effective solution. By using various types of adhesive, you can securely attach your artwork to the mat board, ensuring a professional display. Let’s explore some popular adhesive methods and considerations for successful mounting.

Taping Your Artwork: An Affordable Option

One of the simplest and most inexpensive adhesive methods is using household tape. However, it’s important to note that household tape can potentially damage your artwork over time due to acids and impurities present in the tape. Therefore, it’s recommended to use this method only for temporary displays or non-archival pieces.

When taping your artwork, consider the size of your mat board. The mat board size should be larger than your artwork to provide ample space for the artwork to be attached. Additionally, you’ll need to determine the opening size, which is the space reserved for the artwork within the mat board. Typically, the opening size is 1/2″ smaller than the artwork size. This allows for overlap and attachment of the artwork to the back of the mat board, ensuring a secure fit.

Let’s take a moment to visualize the process. Imagine you have a beautiful painting measuring 16″x20″. To create a visually pleasing mat board display, you would choose a mat board size larger than 16″x20″. For example, a 20″x24″ mat board would provide sufficient space for the artwork and allow for a 1/2″ overlap. The opening size of the mat board would then be 15.5″x19.5″, providing a snug fit for the artwork.

Attaching Your Artwork: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Place your mat board on a clean, flat surface.
2. Position your artwork within the opening of the mat board, ensuring it is centered and aligned.
3. Using household tape or archival tape, carefully attach the artwork to the back of the mat board. Apply small pieces of tape along the edges, securing the artwork in place.
4. Inspect the front of the artwork to ensure proper alignment and adjust if necessary.
5. Once satisfied with the positioning, your artwork is ready to be displayed!

Remember, adhesive methods can provide a convenient solution for mounting your artwork on mat board. However, it’s essential to choose the right adhesive and consider the size of your mat board, opening size, and artwork size for a secure and visually appealing display.

Non-Adhesive Methods for Mounting Your Artwork

When it comes to mounting artwork on mat board, non-adhesive methods provide an excellent alternative to using adhesive directly on the artwork. These methods offer versatility, preservation benefits, and a reversible mounting process. Let’s explore two popular non-adhesive options: photo corners and mounting strips.

Photo Corners: Preserving Art with Ease

Photo corners are a fantastic choice for conservation matting as they do not come in direct contact with the artwork, ensuring its long-term preservation. These triangle-shaped corners attach to the backing board or mat board, creating a secure hold for your artwork. To mount your art using photo corners:

1. Position the artwork on the backing board.
2. Slide each corner of the artwork into a photo corner, creating a firm and secure hold.
3. Ensure the artwork is centered and aligned correctly within the mat window.
4. Secure the mat window over the art, enclosing it neatly.

Using photo corners not only protects your artwork but also allows for easy removal or replacement if desired. It’s a simple yet effective way to mount your art without any adhesive.

Mounting Strips: Streamlined and Secure

If you prefer a sleeker and more streamlined look for your mounted artwork, mounting strips are a fantastic choice. One popular option is the Mylar See-Thru Mounting Strips, which are plastic strips with adhesive backing. Follow these steps to mount your artwork using mounting strips:

1. Attach the mounting strips to the mounting board, ensuring they are evenly spaced and parallel to each other.
2. Insert the artwork into the strips, allowing them to securely hold the edges of the artwork.
3. Align the artwork within the mat window, ensuring proper centering and alignment.
4. Place the mat window over the artwork, framing it beautifully within the mat board.

Mounting strips offer a straightforward and secure solution for professional art presentation. The adhesive backing provides a strong hold, keeping your artwork in place while allowing easy removal and repositioning if necessary.

The Importance of the Backing Board

When using non-adhesive methods to mount artwork on mat board, the backing board plays a crucial role in the process. The backing board acts as a support for the mat board and helps center the art within the mat window. To ensure proper centering:

1. Lay the backing board in the center of the mat board.
2. Align the mat window over the backing board, making sure it is centered and level.
3. Place the artwork within the mat window, using photo corners or mounting strips.
4. Once the art is centered, secure it to the backing board using techniques like weights or T-hinges, ensuring stability and preventing any movement.

By following these steps and utilizing non-adhesive methods, you can achieve a professional and visually pleasing display for your artwork. Whether you opt for photo corners or mounting strips, these techniques provide secure and versatile mounting options that preserve your art while allowing for easy removal and replacement.

Conclusion

Mounting artwork on mat board is an essential step in the professional mat board mounting process, whether you are a DIY enthusiast or a professional framer. By following the proper techniques and using high-quality materials, you can achieve a polished and professional look for your artwork display.

Whether you opt for adhesive or non-adhesive methods, consider factors such as the type of adhesive used, the size of the mat board, and the centering of the artwork. Adhesive options like household tape may be simple and inexpensive, but they can potentially damage the artwork over time. Non-adhesive methods like photo corners and mounting strips offer alternative ways to mount artwork without compromising its preservation.

Regardless of the method you choose, framing artwork with mat board provides a visually pleasing border, enhances the overall presentation, and protects your artwork from potential damage. Remember to properly measure and size your mat board, ensuring that the opening size and artwork size complement each other. Secure the artwork to the backing board, ensuring it is centered and aligned within the mat window.

Mastering the art of mat board mounting will not only showcase your artwork effectively but also contribute to its long-term preservation. So, get creative and take your DIY artwork matting to the next level with professional mat board mounting techniques.

Source Links

• https://www.framedestination.com/info/picture-frame-mounting.html
• https://www.americanframe.com/pictureframeblog/securing-artwork-to-mat-board-mounting-board
• https://www.matboardandmore.com/help/mounting-art.html