I use the technique of float mounting artwork when framing many of my prints on paper, but also when mounting my tea bag artworks. I will explain here what float mounting is, when to use it, and the materials needed. I have included a video that explains the process as well.
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What is Float Mounting?
Float mounting artwork is an option when framing artworks on paper and is when the art “floats” on top of the mat board rather than being held down by the edges of a mat board frame.
When to Use It?
Floating mounting artwork is a great choice for showing the edges of fine art paper. This is particularly effective when the paper has a deckle edge.
Materials needed for Float Mounting Artworks
- Acid-Free Mat Board: It is important to use an acid-free mat board behind your artwork as the artwork is likely to still come in contact with the mat board once mounted.
- Archival Hinging Tape: It is important that the tape used to float mount the artworks is also acid-free to prevent damage to the artwork over time.
How do you then frame it? Does the glass touch the artwork? If not, how do you create a gap between glass and art. Usually with mat mounted prints the mat is hard against the glass, the print, obviously inset, is not touching the glass but with this floating method of mounting it would, would it not? Or is there no glass in the frames? Surely that would attract dust. So many questions for so many unknowns.
Hi Petrik, I suggest you search for “box frames” these use a spacer to hold the glass away from the backing mat board and artwork. So there is a space between the art & mat and the glass. It is best practice when framing to seal the back of the frame with special framing tape. This ensures no dust can enter (of course you have to make sure that there is no dust lurking inside the frame before you seal it with tape). Hope this answers your questions, Margaret
Any advice on float mounting relief sculpture? They would be too heavy for linen hinges
Hi Hazel, yes you wouldn’t be able to use paper hinges for mounting heavy sculptural materials like glass. I think it may be best to either talk to a framing specialist, or perhaps you could ask in a glass art forum on Facebook or similar to find out what other glass artists use? Kind regards, Margaret