How do I choose the correct window mount size for my artwork?
There are several factors to first consider when answering the question how do I choose the correct window mount size for my artwork? These fall into 5 general categories. Let’s look at each in turn. After that we will then approach the final and fifth category.
The first four things to consider consist of the following:
* Type of artwork
* Artwork size
* Artwork shape
* Wall space
* Frame Type
* Personal taste
Type of Artwork
When deciding on the correct window mount margins for a given piece of artwork it is necessary to know exactly what the artwork is. This is because not all artworks are suitable for straight window mounting. An example of this would be a heavily textured artwork or one that is warped in some way.
Painted Works
If an artwork is painted in oils or acrylic paint and this paint is textured, a window mount may not sit pleasingly flush against it. The resulting gaps can be unattractive and so distract the eye from the painting itself. One of the fundamental tenets of professional framing is that the framing, and this includes the mounting, should focus the attention onto the actual artwork. This holds true even if the frame is ornate or otherwise flamboyant. Unsightly gaps around the bevelled edge of a window mount will do the opposite. A different approach to this is then needed for to arrive at a successful framing conclusion.
Painted works are usually also either on board or canvas. Canvases must first be stretched onto a wooden or wood-aluminium composite rim before we can carry out any other requested framing processes. Sometimes the canvas itself may also have ripples or folds, and these too must first be addressed. Works on boards, depending on the quality of the board, also arrive sometimes significantly warped into our workshop. Window mounting therefore is not ideal in circumstances like this.
Warped paintings, especially if on canvas, can be remedied by employing the specialist services of a skilled conservator. This is something we can assist with.
Photographs
Some photographs, particularly silver gelatin photographs made with the timeless chemical method in a darkroom, are sometimes too warped to be window mounted. These issues are usually caused by incorrect drying. A good photo lab can often fix these issues.
Artwork Size
The size of an artwork can both limit and dictate the size of the window mount margins.
Window mounts are made from mountboard. Conservation and archival quality mountboard can themselves be made from treated (to remove or buffer the wood acids) wood pulp or cotton. The board sizes are fixed. Standard boards start from approx. 1220mm x 810mm. Jumbo board has dimensions of 1016mm x 1524mm. MSK board from Nielsen Bainbridge is often available in larger sizes, with the natural colour starting at 1200mm x 900mm.
Museum quality cotton mountboards like 4-ply Rising board is available in sizes up to 2641mm x 1524mm, which does allow for the mounting of large artworks. However, there is also the actual cutting to consider. The aperture in a window mount has a bevelled edge. We cut most of our window mounts using A Gunnar computerised mount cutting machine. This makes beautiful precise mounts that fit perfectly. However, we cannot fit super-sized mountboard onto the cutting deck. We therefore hand-cut oversize window mounts. The maximum aperture size we can cut is around 1400mm x 1100mm. Of course, the outside board size can be as large as the board itself.
So, in conclusion, if the maximum outside size of window mount is fixed by the board size, and the aperture maximum size is also fixed, then in some cases the ideal or most aesthetically pleasing window mount margins may not be possible. Depending on the size of the artwork.
If this is ever the case, then there are other things we can do. One of those is a float.
Artwork Shape
Artwork shape is also something to consider when trying to work out the perfect window mount margin proportions for an artwork. Our Gunnar mount-cutting machine can cut all kinds of bevel-edged apertures. Not only rectangles and circles, but also irregular shapes. Artwork and board size are still factors. If these are not limitations, then we can play with working out which margin size best presents the artwork into the frame.
Wall Space
So, what do we mean by limiting factors when it comes to selecting the correct window mount size for your artwork? These include the wall space where the finished frame is supposed to be hung.
The wall space issue is a little like our discussion about maximum mountboard size. If the space where the finished frame is to be hung is fixed for some reason. It could be because of the size of the room. Or if the frame must fit between furniture like bookcases or wardrobes etc, or in between other existing framed artworks, then again, depending on the size of the artwork the ideal window mount margin size may be compromised.
Frame Type
Frame type can also be a factor that limits the ideal size of window mount margins. We often receive clients who arrive with an artwork and would like it fitting into an existing frame of theirs. This could be because they would like to reuse an old frame or have bought a ready-made frame. A window mount is often needed to take up the space between artwork and frame. We always try to balance the window mount margins as best as possible. Sometimes we can come into the artwork a little. For example, if there is some space around the focus point of the image like a lot of sky or background, then covering up a little of it doesn’t usually alter the overall impact.
Personal Taste
This is a tricky one. How do I choose the correct window mount size for my artwork? depends not just on the ideal but very much on personal taste. This of course varies from person to person. What looks right for one person can look terrible for another.
The Solution
Our job is to guide our client(s) through the process, so we end up with choosing window mount margins that perfectly compliment the artwork. Done right, the window mount joins artwork and frame together with a seamless pleasing and unified beauty. It’s something that often isn’t even noticed unless it is done incorrectly. You will look at the finished picture frame and just marvel how it all comes together without knowing exactly why or how.
There is no golden rule to selecting the correct window mount margins. We work this out using our professional and decades of framing experience. We establish what we together think works best by placing window mount samples around the artwork alongside the intended picture frame sample. Not all window mount margins need to be equal. We often using various levels of bottom weighting. Bottom Weighting a window mount is where the bottom margin is larger than the top and sides. This is often done of square shaped artworks. But also, on many others. Very large bottom margins can look extremely impressive.
If a client (or indeed ourselves) needs to verify if the suggested window mount margins work, we do several things. We can input the measurements into the mount cutting software to get an idea of the proportions, and / or we can make a computerised render to see what the finished artwork, window mount and frame will look like together. If it doesn’t seem right, we can play with it until it does and then send the files to the client to confirm. There is no charge for this service of course!
For a little more information and a visual aid regarding correct mount margin width please see here.
Super Sized Window Mounts
Okay, so wall space is not an issue, but a client still would like a window mount for an oversized artwork, something with an aperture larger than the maximum size we can cut or with margins that mean even the largest mountboard just won’t do? What can be done?
To do this we can make a window mount using sheets of Medite MDF or raw timber. We join the boards together if needed and then cut the “window mount” using a CNC router. Once all the joins are filled and everything is perfect, we can custom spray the window mount in any number of colours. Our custom colour palette also includes mountboard colours. Furthermore, we can then use acid-free paper on the underside of the window mount to further protect the artwork.
Conclusion
So, how do I choose the correct window mount size for my artwork? Come to SohoFrames and we will be delighted to answer any window mounting questions. Advice, framing consultations, renders are all carried out at our pleasure.
Contact details here.