Do you need to have a picture mount? What are the benefits of a picture mount? What is a picture mount? These are common questions that people ask. In this blog post, we will look into the different purposes of a picture mount and describe why it is an important component in picture framing.
The purpose of a picture mount
When looking to frame a picture, an artwork or something else, there are certain things that we would usually be prioritising. We would normally like the piece to last as long as possible, to be protected, to be as well presented as can be, and to look professional. A picture mount can help with all of these. It can ensure that whatever is housed within the frame is preserved for many years to come and that it is visually appealing. It can also help with avoiding contact with the glass as the mount creates a space between the glazing of the frame and the picture, photo, or artwork. This alone can help the piece to avoid fading, smudging, discolouration and warping. By acting as a border around whatever is housed within the frame, enables the full focus to be centred on the piece itself as it is able to stand out and not be overpowered by the frame.
Do you need a picture mount?
A picture mount isn’t necessarily needed. If you are not too bothered about protecting what is being framed, if you do not need it to last all that long, and if you are not too fussed about the overall appearance then you could potentially go without. If the piece is of little or no value or if it has no importance then it wouldn’t necessarily be needed. There are those that prefer a minimalist design and in this situation a picture mount would also not always be required. At the end of the day whether you do or don’t need a picture mount will depend on what your ultimate goals are for the framed piece. For items such as children’s drawings or posters that are going to be replaced on a regular basis with new versions, then it may well be more prudent and time-effective to forego the mount.
For most people, the benefits of a picture mount will mean that it’s most certainly worth having. The increased protection and the additional life span that it helps to give the treasured framed piece, along with the way that it makes it stand out are important factors for the majority.
There is another, often overlooked, benefit of a picture mount. And this is something that is particularly of interest to photographers and artists. It is the fact that a picture mount can substantially increase the perceived value of a print, photo, poster or piece of art. The reason for this is due to the added beauty, colour, vibrancy and professionalism that the mount can give. Anything that has the potential to increase the profits of an artist and a photographer will always be sought after.