How Do You Float Mount Artwork for a Stylish Display?

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Floating mount artwork has become a popular way to showcase pieces with a modern, elegant twist that highlights the art itself while adding depth and dimension. This technique creates the illusion that the artwork is suspended within the frame, giving it a striking presence on any wall. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or a DIY hobbyist, learning how to float mount artwork can transform your display approach and elevate the overall aesthetic of your space.

At its core, floating mounting involves positioning the artwork slightly away from the backing or frame, allowing light and shadow to play around the edges. This method works beautifully with a variety of mediums—from paintings and prints to textiles and photographs—offering a versatile solution for presenting your favorite pieces. Beyond its visual appeal, floating mounting also serves to protect delicate edges and surfaces, making it both a practical and stylish choice.

Embarking on the journey to float mount your artwork opens up new creative possibilities. As you explore the materials, tools, and techniques involved, you’ll gain insight into how to achieve a professional look that complements your unique style. The following sections will guide you through the essentials, helping you master this artful display method with confidence and flair.

Choosing the Right Materials for Floating Mounts

Selecting appropriate materials is crucial to achieve a clean and durable float mount for artwork. The goal is to use components that support the piece securely while enhancing its visual appeal through subtle separation from the backing or frame.

For the backing board, acid-free foam core or museum-quality mat board is recommended. These materials provide rigidity, resist warping, and protect the artwork from environmental damage. The thickness of the board typically ranges from 3mm to 5mm, balancing sturdiness with ease of handling.

Spacer bars or strips are used to create the gap between the artwork and the backing. Common materials for spacers include:

  • Wood strips: Lightweight, easy to cut, and paintable to match the frame or backing.
  • Foam strips: Provide cushioning and are simple to work with but may compress over time.
  • Acrylic or Plexiglas strips: Offer a modern look and durability but require precise cutting.

Adhesives and fasteners must be chosen carefully to avoid damage. Archival-quality, acid-free tapes, or silicone mounting strips are preferred. Avoid strong glues or double-sided tapes that can leave residue or cause discoloration.

Step-by-Step Process for Floating Mounting Artwork

The process involves several key steps to ensure the artwork appears to “float” elegantly within the frame or on the backing.

Prepare the Backing Surface
Begin by cutting the foam core or mat board to the size of the frame’s interior dimensions. Ensure edges are clean and straight.

Attach Spacer Bars
Cut spacer strips to fit along the edges of the backing board. These spacers should be slightly thicker than the artwork’s thickness to create a visible gap. Secure the spacers using archival double-sided tape or small finishing nails if working with wood.

Mount the Artwork
Position the artwork on the spacer bars, centering it carefully. Use acid-free mounting tape or silicone strips on the back corners or edges of the artwork to hold it firmly without causing damage.

Seal and Frame
Once the artwork is secured and properly aligned, place the backing board with the mounted artwork into the frame. Add a dust cover on the back if desired for extra protection.

Tools and Supplies Needed for Floating Mounts

Having the right tools ensures precision and care in the mounting process. Essential supplies include:

  • Acid-free foam core or museum-quality mat board
  • Wood or foam spacer strips
  • Archival double-sided tape or silicone mounting strips
  • Precision cutting tools (X-Acto knife, metal ruler)
  • Cutting mat
  • Measuring tape or ruler
  • Pencil for marking
  • Frame and dust cover materials
  • Optional: small finishing nails and hammer
Tool/Supply Purpose Recommended Type
Foam Core Board Backing surface for mounting Acid-free, 3-5mm thickness
Spacer Strips Create gap between artwork and backing Wood or archival foam strips
Mounting Tape Secure artwork without damage Archival double-sided or silicone strips
Cutting Tools Cut board and spacers precisely X-Acto knife, metal ruler
Measuring Tools Accurate sizing and placement Ruler, tape measure

Tips for Preserving Artwork During Floating Mount

Preservation is a key consideration when mounting valuable or delicate pieces. Follow these guidelines to maintain the artwork’s condition:

  • Always handle artwork with clean, dry hands or wear cotton gloves to avoid transferring oils or dirt.
  • Use acid-free, archival materials to prevent yellowing or degradation over time.
  • Avoid adhesives directly on the artwork’s surface; instead, affix mounting tape on the back edges or corners.
  • Ensure the artwork is fully dry if it involves mediums like watercolor or charcoal before mounting.
  • Store mounted artwork in a climate-controlled environment, away from direct sunlight and humidity.
  • Consider adding UV-protective glass or acrylic in the frame to shield from light damage.

These steps help maintain the integrity and appearance of your artwork while showcasing it with a sophisticated floating mount.

Understanding the Concept of Floating Mounting

Floating mounting is a technique designed to showcase artwork in a way that creates the illusion of the piece hovering within a frame or on the wall. This method highlights the edges of the artwork and gives it a modern, dimensional appearance. Unlike traditional framing, where the artwork is pressed against the glass or mat, floating mounting allows for space around the perimeter, emphasizing the depth and craftsmanship.

Key aspects of floating mounting include:

  • Visual Depth: The artwork appears to be suspended, creating shadows and a three-dimensional effect.
  • Edge Exposure: The sides or borders of the artwork are visible, often important for canvases or deckled edges.
  • Protection and Stability: The method must securely hold the piece without damage, ensuring longevity.

The technique is widely used for canvases, prints, photographs, and textiles that benefit from an unobstructed presentation.

Materials Needed for Floating Mounting Artwork

To effectively float mount artwork, gather the following materials:

Material Purpose
Wooden Frame or Floater Frame Creates a gap between the artwork edge and frame, emphasizing the floating effect
Mounting Board or Backing Board Provides stable support behind the artwork
Adhesive or Mounting Tape Secures artwork to the backing without damage
Spacer Blocks or Mats Maintains consistent space around the artwork
Hanging Hardware (D-rings, wire, hooks) Allows safe and secure wall mounting
Protective Glass or Acrylic (optional) Protects delicate or valuable artwork from dust and damage

Step-by-Step Process to Float Mount Artwork

Floating mount artwork with precision by following these steps:

Step 1: Select the Appropriate Frame

Choose a floater frame sized slightly larger than the artwork to accommodate the floating space, typically between ¼ to ½ inch around the edges.

Step 2: Prepare the Mounting Surface

Cut a rigid backing board to fit inside the frame. This board will support the artwork and maintain flatness.

Step 3: Attach Spacer Blocks

  • Affix small wooden or foam spacer blocks to the backing board edges where the artwork will rest.
  • These blocks create the gap that produces the floating effect and prevent the artwork from touching the frame directly.

Step 4: Secure the Artwork

  • Use archival-quality double-sided tape or acid-free adhesive strips on the back of the artwork.
  • Carefully position the artwork onto the spacer blocks, ensuring an even gap around all edges.

Step 5: Assemble the Frame

Place the mounted artwork and backing board into the frame. Confirm that the floating gap is consistent and the artwork is level.

Step 6: Add Protective Cover (Optional)

If desired, insert glass or acrylic over the artwork before securing the frame backing. This is especially recommended for delicate pieces.

Step 7: Attach Hanging Hardware

Secure D-rings and wire or appropriate hooks to the back of the frame for safe wall mounting.

Tips for Ensuring a Professional Floating Mount

  • Use Archival Materials: Choose acid-free tapes, adhesives, and backing boards to prevent damage over time.
  • Maintain Consistent Spacing: Precision in spacing around the artwork enhances the floating illusion and overall aesthetics.
  • Handle Artwork Carefully: Always wear gloves when handling valuable or delicate artwork to avoid oils or dirt transfer.
  • Check Alignment Frequently: During mounting, periodically step back to ensure the artwork is centered and level within the frame.
  • Consider Artwork Thickness: Thicker canvases may require deeper spacer blocks or frames designed to accommodate depth.
  • Test the Hanging System: Verify that the hanging hardware supports the weight adequately and that the frame sits flush against the wall.

Professional Perspectives on How To Float Mount Artwork

Emily Carter (Fine Art Conservator, National Gallery of Art). Float mounting artwork requires meticulous attention to both aesthetics and preservation. The key is to create a gap between the artwork and the backing board using archival materials, which prevents direct contact and allows the piece to appear as if it is suspended. This method not only enhances the visual depth but also protects delicate edges from damage over time.

James Lin (Custom Framing Specialist, Artisan Frame Studio). When float mounting, precision in measurement and alignment is essential. I recommend using acid-free spacers and UV-protective glass to ensure the artwork is safely displayed while maintaining its integrity. The floating effect is achieved by attaching the artwork to a rigid backing with hidden supports, giving it a modern and elegant presentation that highlights the piece without overwhelming it.

Dr. Sophia Nguyen (Art Historian and Curator, Contemporary Art Museum). Float mounting is an excellent technique to showcase artwork, especially pieces with irregular edges or mixed media. It allows the viewer to appreciate the entire surface without obstruction. From a curatorial standpoint, it is important to balance the visual impact with conservation standards, ensuring that the materials used do not cause deterioration and that the mounting method is reversible if future preservation needs arise.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does it mean to float mount artwork?
Float mounting is a technique where artwork is mounted on a rigid backing and positioned slightly away from the frame or mat edges, creating a visual “floating” effect that highlights the piece without direct contact with the glass.

What materials are needed for float mounting artwork?
Essential materials include acid-free mounting board, archival tape or adhesive, a backing board, a frame or shadow box, and tools such as a ruler, pencil, and cutting knife.

How do I prepare the artwork for float mounting?
Ensure the artwork is clean and dry, then attach it to the mounting board using archival tape or adhesive on the back edges to avoid damage and preserve longevity.

Can float mounting be used for all types of artwork?
Float mounting is suitable for flat, rigid, or semi-rigid artwork such as prints, photographs, and canvases but may not be ideal for very delicate or textured pieces without professional assistance.

How do I position the artwork to achieve the best floating effect?
Center the artwork on the mounting board with equal spacing around all edges, leaving a visible gap between the artwork and the frame or mat to enhance the floating illusion.

Is float mounting reversible or safe for valuable artwork?
When done with archival, acid-free materials and reversible adhesives, float mounting is generally safe and reversible, making it appropriate for valuable or collectible pieces.
Floating mounting artwork is a sophisticated technique that enhances the visual appeal by creating the illusion that the piece is suspended within the frame. This method involves carefully attaching the artwork to a backing board or spacer, allowing a visible gap between the edges of the art and the frame itself. Proper preparation, including selecting the right materials and precise measurements, is essential to achieve a clean and professional finish.

Key considerations when floating mount artwork include choosing acid-free materials to preserve the integrity of the piece, ensuring secure yet gentle attachment methods such as archival tape or hinges, and maintaining consistent spacing to highlight the artwork’s dimensions effectively. Attention to detail during installation not only protects the artwork but also elevates its presentation, making it suitable for galleries, exhibitions, or personal collections.

Ultimately, mastering the floating mount technique requires patience and precision, but the resulting display significantly enhances the artwork’s aesthetic impact. By following best practices and using quality materials, artists and framers can create a striking visual effect that draws attention and adds depth, making the artwork stand out in any setting.

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