The Framers Forum

Other than using a window mount as you would for a painting can someone summarise the alternatives available for framing photographs. It's the dry mounting, float mounting options that allude me and how to keep things clear of the glass.

Thanks ChrisG

As a general rule, any paper-based images that are not bonded to a firm substrate need to mounted in such a way that allows expansion. Be it hinged and floated or the more usual window mount. If they are stuck down you have more options. You could use spacers that don't show past the rebate. Or a slip or inner liner. Photo goes in the liner - glass on top - whole thing then goes in the outer frame.

A lot depends on the nature of the photo. There are millions of little photos that reside quite happily touching the glass in readymades.

What do you mean by firm substrate? MDF Foamex dibond?

Anything that's stronger than the photo paper.

There are millions of little photos that reside quite happily touching the glass in readymades.

Prospero, I'm sure you're right, and there are millions that have worked out fine. But I've also seen a few where the photo has stuck to the glass and is effectively ruined, in fact I keep one to show customers in order to justify the extra cost of doing the job properly!