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. Apertures are bevel-cut for a professional finish.

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 must be at least 2mm smaller than your artwork on each side. This 2mm minimum overlap prevents your artwork from falling through the mount. ⚠️ IMPORTANT: Always factor in a minimum 2mm aperture overlap on all sides to your order to prevent artwork from slipping 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 standard reveal is 4mm, which creates a balanced decorative border. Our mount builder offers two configuration modes: By Aperture: Specify the outer aperture (top layer) and reveal amount, and the inner aperture is automatically calculated (e.g., 29cm × 39cm outer aperture + 3mm reveal = 28.4cm × 38.4cm inner aperture). This keeps the reveal evenly measured from the aperture edges. By Outer: Tie the reveal to the visible border width. Enter the outer aperture and reveal, and we calculate the inner aperture to maintain even spacing from the frame edges. Most customers start with "By Aperture" and a 3-5mm reveal for 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 Centrado conservation-grade boards meet Fine Art Trade Guild Level 2 standards. Conservation-grade boards generally last around 100 years, depending on environmental conditions (stable temperature, low humidity, away from direct sunlight). Coloured mounts may fade sooner than neutral tones. UV-protective glass helps preserve colour and prevent yellowing. Standard mount board remains available for budget-friendly framing or temporary displays. Every conservation-grade mount includes a free acid-free backing board to protect your artwork from behind.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Our Centrado mount boards are available in white core. The core is the colour you see on the bevelled edge. White core has a bright white edge (ideal for modern artwork and photographs). Which colour is the bevel edge in a double mount? The bevel edge colour depends on the core you select for the TOP mount layer. The reveal between layers shows the face colour of the bottom mount, not its core.

Question 5

Can you cut mounts for non-standard sizes?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely—this is our specialty. We cut from 15×15cm up to 800×1100mm (approximately 32×43 inches), 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. Our standard reveal is 4mm, which creates a balanced decorative border. The reveal is the second mount board colour showing between the two layers, while the core colour of the top mount will be visible on the inner bevel edge. Double mounts are 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 2-5 business days, followed by 1-2 days delivery. 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. Quantity discounts apply and are visible in your Cart.

Question 9

What colours are available?

Accepted Answer

We currently stock whites and creams and plan to offer more options in the future. The mount builder shows each swatch for you to choose from.

Question 10

What quality checks do you perform?

Accepted Answer

Every mount undergoes visual inspection before shipping. We check for flaws, uneven cuts, dirt, dents, or board defects. Only mounts that meet our quality standards are packaged and dispatched.

Question 11

How should I store my mount boards?

Accepted Answer

Store mounts flat in an acid-free folder or plastic sleeve. Place acid-free tissue paper between each board if stacking. Keep away from moisture and direct sunlight. Avoid bending or rolling mounts.

Question 12

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

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