Question 1

What is a picture mount?

Accepted Answer

A mount is a precisely cut border around your artwork cut from mount (or "mat") board and made to your exact picture frame size and artwork dimensions. We machine-cut mounts with conservation-grade or standard mat board options.

Question 2

How do I measure for a custom mount?

Accepted Answer

A custom mount requires three key measurements: Artwork Size: Measure your artwork width and height using a ruler or tape measure in millimetres for precision Outer Size: The total size of the mount board (usually matches your frame size, e.g., 40cm × 50cm) Aperture Size: The window opening, which should be 2mm or more smaller than your artwork on each side to create an overlap that prevents the artwork from falling through Double Mounts (Two Layers): For double mounts, you'll need an additional measurement for the inner aperture (second layer). This creates the decorative colour reveal between layers. Our mount builder offers two configuration modes: By Outer: Specify the outer aperture size (top layer) and the reveal amount (e.g., 3mm). The inner aperture is automatically calculated. Example: 29cm × 39cm outer aperture + 3mm reveal = 28.4cm × 38.4cm inner aperture. By Aperture: Specify both aperture sizes directly. You manually enter the outer aperture (top layer, e.g., 29cm × 39cm) and inner aperture (bottom layer, e.g., 28.4cm × 38.4cm). This gives you precise control over both measurements. Most customers prefer "By Outer" mode with a 3-5mm reveal, which creates a balanced decorative border of the second colour showing through. Example: For a 30cm × 40cm print in a 40cm × 50cm frame, you'd order a mount with 40cm × 50cm outer size and 29cm × 39cm aperture (1cm smaller on each side for overlap). Our online mount builder includes a visual measurement guide that walks you through this process step-by-step.

Question 3

Do you offer conservation-grade mount board?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our conservation-grade boards meet Fine Art Trade Guild Level 2 standards: 100% acid-free, buffered to pH 8.2 with calcium carbonate reserve, providing 100+ year protection vs. 5-10 years for standard board. Standard mount board remains available for budget-friendly framing or temporary displays.

Question 4

What's the difference between white core and cream core?

Accepted Answer

The core is the colour you see on the bevelled edge. White core has a bright white edge (ideal for modern artwork and photographs), while cream core has a warm off-white edge (classic for antique prints and watercolours).

Question 5

Can you cut mounts for non-standard sizes?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely—this is our specialty. We cut from 15×15cm up to 120×80cm, perfect for Victorian prints, antique maps, and artwork that doesn't match modern standard dimensions.

Question 6

Do you offer double mounts or multi-aperture mounts?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Double mounts feature two layers with a decorative colour reveal (popular for certificates and heritage artwork). Multi-aperture mounts have multiple windows for photo collages or print series — contact us for a quote.

Question 7

How long does delivery take?

Accepted Answer

Cutting takes 2-4 business days, followed by 1-2 days UK delivery via Royal Mail Tracked 24 with Signature. Most orders placed Monday-Thursday arrive within one week. We currently deliver within the UK only.

Question 8

Can I order matching mounts for a set of prints?

Accepted Answer

Yes—we guarantee colour consistency when you order multiple mounts together (cut from the same board batch). Quantity discounts apply: 3% off for 10-24 mounts, 6% off for 25-49 mounts, 12% off for 50+ mounts.

Question 9

What colours are available?

Accepted Answer

We stock whites, creams, blacks, greys, and heritage tones such as navy, burgundy, and forest green. The mount builder shows each swatch, and for 3+ mounts we can source special colours.

Question 10

What's your returns policy?

Accepted Answer

Bespoke custom mounts are made-to-order and cannot be returned for change of mind or measuring errors. Returns are only accepted for manufacturing defects, incorrect cutting (our error), or transit damage—we cover return shipping for repairs or replacements in these cases. Please measure carefully before ordering.

Custom Picture Mounts

Frequently Asked Questions