Mounting a piece of art can involve several steps, depending on whether you are attaching the artwork to a backing, matting it, or preparing it for display on a wall. Based on the provided information, this guide focuses specifically on the initial process of positioning your artwork correctly under a window mount within a hinged mount package, a common step in preparing art for framing.
Positioning Artwork Under a Window Mount
Properly positioning your artwork under a window mount (also known as a mat board) is crucial for achieving the desired visual presentation. The window mount creates a border around the artwork, drawing the eye to the piece itself. This process is typically done before the artwork is permanently secured to the backing board.
Step-by-Step Positioning Guide
Follow these steps to accurately place your artwork under a hinged window mount:
-
Prepare the Artwork: Ensure your artwork is clean and flat. You will be working with a hinged mount package, which consists of a window mount attached to a backing board, usually with tape along one edge.
-
Initial Alignment:
- Gently position the artwork directly on the backing board.
- Slide and adjust the artwork so it sits under the window mount.
- Carefully move the artwork until it is in the exact position in which you want it to appear visible through the window opening.
-
Ensure Overlap:
- As you position the artwork, remember to leave an overlap on all sides. This means the edges of your artwork should extend beyond the edges of the window opening on the backing board. This overlap is necessary so the artwork can be properly attached to the backing board later, hidden by the window mount.
-
Secure Temporarily:
- Once the artwork is in the perfect spot under the window mount, it's important to prevent it from shifting.
- Use a paperweight or two to hold the artwork in position. Place the paperweights carefully on the areas of the artwork that are outside the window opening, resting on the overlap area on the backing board.
-
Open the Mount:
- With the artwork securely held by the paperweights, you now need to access the area between the artwork and the backing board for permanent attachment.
- Open the hinged mount package.
- Do this by lifting the window mount away from the backing board.
- Lift the window mount from the opposite side to the hinge to avoid disturbing the artwork's position, which is held by the paperweights on the hinged side.
By following these steps, your artwork will be correctly positioned under the window mount, ready for the next stage of the mounting process, typically involving archival taping to the backing board.
