Float Mounting Artwork

Float mounting is a picture framing technique that displays artwork with its edges visible rather than covering them with the opening of a traditional window mat. It can create a sense of depth around the piece while allowing the complete sheet, including distinctive or irregular edges, to remain part of the presentation.

The technique is commonly used for works on paper, handmade paper, prints, drawings, watercolors, photographs, and other pieces where showing the full dimensions of the artwork contributes to the finished design.

What Is Float Mounting?

In traditional matting, the opening of the mat usually overlaps the outer edges of the artwork. With float mounting, the artwork is positioned on top of a visible backing or mat so that some or all of its edges can be seen.

The surrounding space creates a visual border without covering the artwork itself. Depending on the framing design, the piece may appear to sit directly on the backing or be slightly elevated above it.

Float mounting is one of several artwork mounting methods that can be considered when designing a custom frame.

Why Float Mount Artwork?

Float mounting is particularly useful when the edges of a piece are visually important.

Handmade paper, deckled edges, torn edges, embossed borders, signatures, edition markings, or other details near the perimeter of the artwork can be hidden by a conventional mat opening. Floating the piece allows these characteristics to remain visible.

It can also create additional visual separation between the artwork and frame, giving the piece a more dimensional presentation without requiring a traditional mat opening.

What Types of Artwork Can Be Float Mounted?

Float mounting can be appropriate for many types of flat artwork, including:

• Original works on paper
• Watercolors
• Drawings
• Fine art prints
• Limited editions
• Handmade paper
• Photographs
• Documents or other pieces with edges worth displaying

Whether float mounting is appropriate depends on the material, condition, weight, value, and structural characteristics of the individual piece.

Float Mounting and Deckled Edges

Deckled edges are irregular or feathered paper edges that may result from traditional papermaking or be intentionally incorporated into a work of art.

Because a standard window mat would conceal these edges, float mounting is often used when they are considered part of the artwork's character.

Leaving the complete perimeter visible allows the shape, texture, and craftsmanship of the paper itself to contribute to the overall framing design.

Raised Float Mounting

A raised float mount positions the artwork slightly above the backing surface rather than placing it directly against the visible mat or backing board.

The small amount of elevation creates natural shadow around the edges of the artwork, increasing the perception of depth.

The amount of elevation should be appropriate for the artwork and the overall frame construction. Additional depth within the frame may also be necessary to maintain proper separation between the artwork and glazing.

Does Float-Mounted Artwork Still Need Glass?

Float mounting describes how the artwork is positioned within the frame. It does not eliminate the need for appropriate glazing when the artwork requires protection.

Works on paper are commonly framed behind glass or acrylic to help protect them from dust, handling, and other environmental exposure.

The framing design should maintain appropriate separation between the artwork and glazing. Glazing and preservation requirements are considered along with mounting during Friedman’s custom picture framing process.

Float Mounting and Conservation Framing

The fact that artwork is float mounted does not automatically make the framing conservation quality. The materials and attachment methods used to create the float are also important.

For original, valuable, historic, collectible, or sentimental artwork, mounting should avoid unnecessary permanent alteration whenever practical. Appropriate conservation materials and reversible or minimally invasive techniques may be used depending on the piece.

Friedman’s conservation picture framing considers mounting together with matting, glazing, backing materials, and the complete environment surrounding the artwork.

Float Mounting vs. Traditional Matting

Neither float mounting nor traditional matting is inherently the better choice. They create different presentations and solve different framing needs.

Traditional window matting covers a small portion of the artwork's perimeter and creates a defined opening around the image. Float mounting exposes the perimeter and makes the physical dimensions and edges of the piece more visible.

The choice depends on the artwork, its condition, the importance of its edges, preservation requirements, and the desired appearance of the finished frame.

Choosing a Float Mounting Design

Float mounting involves more than simply leaving the edges of the artwork exposed. The amount of surrounding space, backing color, frame profile, glazing, depth, and mounting technique all affect the finished presentation.

A subtle backing can keep attention focused on the artwork, while greater contrast can emphasize the shape and edges of the piece. The surrounding space also needs to be proportioned appropriately for the dimensions of the artwork and frame.

At Friedman’s Framing in Savannah, float mounting can be incorporated into a custom framing design when displaying the complete artwork and its edges contributes to the presentation while providing the support and protection appropriate for the piece.