Step-by-Step Guidance for Float Mount Installation

Trying to display your prints with their natural edges can be tough.

Without the right method, your artwork can look unfinished or damaged during framing. I’ve faced these same issues when preparing for art shows.

I’ve developed a simple float mounting technique that perfectly showcases your artwork’s edges while keeping it secure and looking professional.

With just a few basic materials and some careful steps, you can create gallery-worthy presentations.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through my exact float mounting process from start to finish, including the tools you’ll need, step-by-step instructions, and expert tips I’ve learned from years of mounting my prints for exhibitions.

Tools and Materials Required

Category	Item	Purpose
Adhesives	Neutral white acid-free tape (pH balanced)	Secures the equipment without causing damage over time
Mounting	Mount board (archival conservation quality)	It provides a stable and protective backing for the float mount
Framing	Window mount (can be cut by a framer)	Creates a professional and finished look
Framing	Ready-made frame	Holds the mounted equipment securely
Cutting Tools	Knife	Used for trimming mount board or tape as needed
Finishing	Framing tape	Seals and secures the frame for a polished appearance

Float Mount Installation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Print

Examine your print and decide if you want to show its natural edges. For papers with machine-cut edges, you might prefer to create deckled edges by carefully tearing along a water line.

Clean your work surface thoroughly to prevent dust or dirt from getting on your materials.

Step 2: Apply Tape to Print

Cut four small pieces of acid-free tape, approximately 1/2 inch long. Place one piece in each corner of the print’s backside with the sticky side facing up. Position each piece about 1/8 inch from the edges.

Keep the tape pieces small, you only need enough to secure the print to the mount board. Too much tape can create bumps or waves in the paper.

Step 3: Attach to Mount Board

Center your print on the mount board exactly where you want it positioned. Once you’re satisfied with the placement, gently press down on each corner where you placed the tape.

Apply even pressure to ensure the tape sticks properly without creating wrinkles. Do not touch the front of the print during this process.

Step 4: Add Window Mount

Cut strips of acid-free tape and place them sticky side up along the bottom edge of your mounted print. Position your window mount carefully, ensuring it frames your artwork with even borders.

Once it is aligned properly, press firmly along the bottom edge to secure it to the tape.

Step 5: Seal the Mount

Turn the entire assembly over carefully. Apply strips of acid-free tape along all four edges where the window mount meets the backing board. Press firmly to create a good seal, working from the center outward to prevent air bubbles.

This seal helps protect your artwork from dust and moisture.

Step 6: Prepare the Frame

Clean the inside of your frame glass thoroughly with a lint-free cloth. Remove all back fittings by carefully lifting the metal tabs with a knife or flat-head screwdriver.

Keep these small metal pieces in a container to prevent them from getting lost. Inspect the frame for damage or rough spots that might damage your artwork.

Step 7: Insert Artwork

Keep the frame backing and glass together as a unit. Slide your mounted artwork between them in one smooth motion. This technique reduces the chance of dust particles trapped between the glass and your artwork.

If you use a wood frame, ensure no splinters or debris from the frame fall onto your artwork.

Step 8: Check for Dust

Before securing everything, hold the frame up to a light source and look at an angle to spot any dust particles. If you see dust, carefully remove the artwork and clean the glass again.

This extra inspection step will save you considerable frustration later. Once sealed, that speck will be visible every time you look at your framed piece.

Step 9: Secure in Frame

Place the entire assembly back in the frame, ensuring it sits flat and even. Use your knife to carefully bend down each metal tab, working in an opposite corner pattern (top left, then bottom right, etc.) to ensure even pressure.

Apply enough pressure to secure the artwork without warping the backing board.

Step 10: Seal the Back

Apply framing tape around the entire perimeter where the backing meets the frame. For professional results, start in the middle of one side and work your way around continuously.

Use separate small pieces cut at 45-degree angles for a clean finish on corners. This complete seal prevents dust from entering and adds structural support to the frame.

Step 11: Add Hanging Hardware.

Attach appropriate hanging hardware depending on the size and weight of your framed piece. For smaller frames, a simple sawtooth hanger centered on the top edge works well.

Use two D-rings positioned at the 1/3 marks with picture wire strung between them for larger or heavier pieces. Test the security of your hardware before hanging the piece on a wall.

Checkout this YouTube video for a detailed step-by-step tutorial on How to Float Mount Your Artwork:

Tips and Tricks

• Buy mount board and tape in bulk from a local framer to save money
• Have framers cut window mounts for professional-looking results
• Request tabs instead of staples on frames so you can easily change artwork
• Keep backing and glass together when inserting artwork to reduce dust
• Use a knife rather than fingers to push down tabs to avoid injury

Long-Term Care and Upkeep

Properly mounted and framed artwork requires regular care to maintain its condition over time. Keep framed pieces away from direct sunlight, which can fade prints and damage paper over time. When cleaning, never spray cleaners directly onto the glass; instead, apply a small amount to a lint-free cloth and gently wipe the surface.

Use a soft brush to remove particles from corners and edges for dusty frames.

Check your framed artwork periodically for signs of moisture or insect damage. If you notice condensation inside the frame or any discoloration of the mount board, this suggests humidity issues.

In such cases, remove the artwork and allow everything to dry completely before reassembling with fresh mounting materials.

For valuable or sentimental prints, consider handling with cotton gloves when mounting to prevent oils from your fingers from transferring to the paper.

When storing unmounted prints, place acid-free tissue between each one and keep them in a flat, dry environment away from heat sources.

Alternate Ideas

While float mounting is excellent for showing the natural edges of prints, several other presentation methods work well for different types of artwork:

Corner mounting: For temporary displays or items you change frequently, corner mounts made from acid-free paper can hold artwork without applying adhesive directly to the piece. This method allows for easy removal and repositioning.

Mat sinking: Instead of floating the artwork, you can position it behind a window mat to cover the edges. This creates a clean, formal presentation that works particularly well for photographs or prints with white borders.

Box framing: A deep box frame creates space between the glass and artwork for three-dimensional items or textured prints. This prevents contact with the glass surface while still providing protection.

Clip frames: For a modern, minimalist look, clip frames eliminate the traditional frame structure, using only glass, backing board, and clips. This style suits contemporary prints and creates an unobstructed view of the artwork.

Magnetic mounting: Another no-adhesive option is to use thin magnetic strips hidden behind the artwork. This method works best with slightly heavier paper and creates a clean floating effect.

Common Mistakes

Using regular tape: Regular household tape can eventually contain yellow acids, which can damage artwork. Always use proper acid-free, conservation-quality mounting supplies, even for seemingly temporary displays.

Incorrect measuring: Failing to measure precisely before cutting mount board or ordering frames often results in awkward spacing or artwork that doesn’t fit properly. Always measure twice and cut once.

Overhandling the print: Touching the surface of prints repeatedly transfers oils and dirt. Handle prints by the edges whenever possible, or use cotton gloves for valuable pieces.

Poor cleaning techniques: Household glass cleaners can damage frames and potentially seep into the artwork. Ammonia-based products are particularly harmful to both frames and prints.

Ignoring environmental factors: Hanging artwork in bathrooms, kitchens, or areas with high humidity or temperature fluctuations can cause warping, mold growth, and color fading.

Conclusion

Creating a properly float-mounted artwork takes some practice, but the results are worth the effort.

This technique preserves your print’s natural edges while giving it a clean, professional appearance that draws attention to the artwork.

Remember the key points we’ve covered: use acid-free materials, handle prints by their edges, check thoroughly for dust before sealing, and take your time with each step.

What I love most about this method is that it focuses entirely on your artwork rather than the frame. The small gap between the print and the mount creates a subtle shadow that makes the piece appear to float above the background.

Next time you have a special print to display, try float mounting. Your artwork will thank you.