The Art of Mounting (Matting): Elevate your prints with passepartout techniques

In the UK, "matting" is typically referred to as "mounting," and in much of Europe, it’s known as "passepartout." No matter what term you use, adding a mount or mat is a powerful way to enhance your artwork. A well-chosen mount highlights your art’s details, provides protection, and adds a refined, gallery-quality presentation.

Let’s dive into the essentials of mounting (or matting) in the UK, covering what it means, the types available, and how it differs from framing. We’ll also answer popular questions about these mounting techniques and explore how they impact the presentation of your art.

What Does Mounted Art Mean?

In the world of art presentation, "mounting" (or "matting") refers to placing a border around your artwork within a frame. This border, known as a "mount" in the UK or "passepartout" in Europe, provides separation between the artwork and frame, enhancing focus and giving depth to the piece. Made from high-quality paper or card, mounts are available in various colours, textures, and thicknesses to suit any artwork.

Why Mounting Matters: How It Enhances Your Art

Using a mount offers a mix of aesthetic and practical benefits that make it a staple in art display:

1. Visual Focus
   The mount acts as a frame-within-a-frame, drawing attention directly to the artwork. This separation gives each piece a balanced presentation, making the art the star of the show.
2. Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal
   Mounts add sophistication to any artwork by creating contrast between the piece and the frame. Neutral mounts offer a minimalist appeal, while bold-coloured mounts provide eye-catching detail.
3. Protection for Your Artwork
   By keeping the artwork from touching the glass, mounts prevent damage from condensation, smudges, or scratches, preserving the quality of the art over time.
4. Added Depth and Dimension
   Mounts create layers around the artwork, giving it a three-dimensional effect. This layering can elevate even simple pieces, creating a professional, gallery-like feel.

What is the Difference Between Framed and Mounted Art?

While both mounting and framing improve the presentation of art, they serve different functions:

• Mounting (or matting) is the process of adding a border around the artwork within the frame. The mount provides protection, enhances visual focus, and gives depth to the piece.
• Framing is the process of placing the artwork and mount (if any) within an outer frame, typically made of wood or metal, to display on the wall.

 

Mounting Options on GoodMood

For a gallery-worthy finish, our premium mounting option adds a touch of sophistication to your framed artwork. We use a 2-inch conservation-grade mount board to frame each piece, creating a striking visual boundary that enhances the artwork without overpowering it. Each mount is crafted from high-quality, 2.4mm thick material with precise bevelled edges, ensuring a professional look and long-lasting durability.

Other Types of Mounting (Matting) Options

Whether you’re looking to create a minimalist aesthetic or make a bold statement, choosing the right mount is key:

1. Single Mount
   A single layer of mount is simple, elegant, and allows the artwork to take centre stage. Perfect for clean, minimalist presentations.
2. Double Mount
   This involves layering two mounts of different colours or sizes. The bottom layer provides a thin border of colour, adding extra depth and dimension
3. Floating Mount
   A floating mount gives the effect of the artwork "floating" within the frame, creating a modern, airy look that’s great for contemporary pieces.

What Does "Matted Art" Mean?

"Matted art" simply refers to art that includes a mount or passepartout within the frame. This addition not only enhances visual appeal but also serves as a protective barrier for the piece. Mounted art is commonly associated with professional gallery displays and is an excellent way to add sophistication to any piece.

 

How to Choose the Right Mount for Your Art

When selecting a mount, consider these key factors to complement your artwork:

• Colour: Choose a colour that enhances the artwork without overshadowing it. Neutral tones like white, beige, and gray are popular for a versatile, refined look. Alternatively, a coloured mount can add vibrancy to the display.
• Thickness: Thicker mounts provide a gallery-like feel, while thinner ones keep a minimalist profile. Double mounting offers the option to layer colors for added visual interest.
• Border Size: Larger mounts create a more dramatic presentation, while smaller borders keep focus tightly on the artwork itself.

FAQs: Passepartout and Mounting Terminology

1. What is Passepartout in Art?
   Passepartout is the European term for what the UK often calls a "mount" or "mat." It serves the same purpose—a border around the artwork within the frame to provide contrast, depth, and protection.
2. Is Mounted Art the Same as Framed Art?
   Mounted art has a surrounding border (mount), while framed art is the finished product, complete with an outer frame.
3. What Does Matted Art Mean?
   In regions where "matting" is used, it refers to the same mounting process of placing a border around the art. It’s another term for what the UK calls a "mount."

Adding a mount to your artwork isn’t just about aesthetics; it elevates, protects, and completes your piece. Whether you call it a mount, mat, or passepartout, choosing the right style will enhance any piece for a timeless, polished look.