📸 Pixel to Print – Part 8: Mounting and Displaying Your Prints
There’s something truly magical about seeing your image as a finished print—not just on screen, but mounted and proudly displayed. It completes the photographic process and gives your work the space and dignity it deserves.
Whether you’re prepping for a club competition or simply want to hang a favourite shot on your wall, this guide will help you mount and present your prints with confidence and clarity.
“A photograph is not finished until it is printed.”
— David Alan Harvey, Magnum Photographer
🖼️ Mount Board Types: Cheap, Easy, or Pro?
Your mount board is more than just a border—it gives your print structure, protects the edges, and elevates its presentation. There are a few ways to go about it, depending on your budget and workflow:
🪙 The Cheap Way
The Range sells suitable mount board sheets for around £3 each in a wide choice of colours. You can get two 50x40cm mounts from each sheet. The downside? You’ll need to do all the cutting yourself—including the aperture— combining the two can be tricky to get accurate.
⚡ The Easy Way
Pre-cut mounts come ready to go with a pre-cut aperture (usually sized for an A4 print). Just stick your print to the back and you’re done. Quick and tidy, but it does mean cropping your image to fit the standard size—which may not be ideal for every shot.
Members recommend:
· Kadinsky Art – Bundle includes backing board and bag (note: don’t use the bags for club comps please!)
· Cotswold Mounts – Will cut custom sizes, great for panels of work
🧰 The Pro Way (Recommended!)
Buy pre-cut blank boards (50x40cm) and then cut your own aperture to match your specific image crop. It gives you the best balance—flexibility without the full faff of cutting the outer mount.
See Post 4 in this series for more on aspect ratios and why that matters.
Suppliers for pre-cut blanks:
· PermaJet
💡 Club Tip: We have a Logan Mat Cutter available for club members to use. We’ll be giving a demo of mount cutting in an upcoming printing workshop. See me if you'd like to use it.
✂️ Cutting Tools, Backing Board & Layout Tips
Mount Cutters: Invest in Precision
If you're mounting prints regularly, a mount cutter is well worth it. There are many variations on the market, but common options include:
· Logan Compact Cutter - https://www.logangraphic.com/products/mat-cutters/board-mounted/301-1-compact-classic_p_1.php
· Jakar Mount Cutter - https://jakar.co.uk/product-category/art-craft-materials/mount-cutting-equipment/
You’ll also need:
· A steel ruler (preferably with a lip)
· A cutting mat
· A pencil for marking (lightly!)
💡 Club Tip: We have a Logan Mat Cutter available for club members to use. We’ll be giving a demo of mount cutting in an upcoming printing workshop. See me if you'd like to use it.
Backing Boards: For Structure & Stability
A backing board prevents bending and gives your mounted print a neat, firm finish. Especially with A3 prints, it reduces flex and glare on glossy papers.
Two options:
1. DIY – Use the waste aperture cut-out, flipped and taped to the back. Free, but may feel a bit rough.
2. Pre-cut Backing Boards – Neater, thinner, and slightly smaller than the mount board. Designed to fit perfectly and give a clean edge.
These are available from:
Tape: Hold It All Together
Use archival framers tape—not masking tape—for mounting. Look for:
· Acid-free
· 1.5" or 2" wide
· Available from mount suppliers or on Amazon UK
You might also need:
· Spray adhesive (DaveH’s method)
· Double-sided tape (my preferred method)
Layout Tips
· Size: Stick with 50x40cm mounts for competitions. Avoid 20"x16" (they won’t fit most salon systems).
· Placement: Position your print slightly above centre—a subtle trick that feels more balanced when displayed.
· Print Size: A4 is perfect. Even with an A3 printer, don’t feel you have to fill the page. I often print slightly larger than A4 on A3 paper—it’s wasteful, yes, but looks much better to my eye.
Let the mount frame your work—not compete with it.
🖼️ Framing, Portfolio Folders & Alternative Displays
Framing: For Home Display, Not Competitions
Let’s clear up a common misconception—framed images are not required for club competitions. In fact, they’re usually disallowed, as handling and displaying framed images is awkward and risky. For club work, stick to 50x40cm mounted prints without frames.
That said, framing is one of the most satisfying and professional ways to display your prints at home, and it’s an important part of celebrating your work.
When selecting frames:
· Choose simple wood or metal styles
· Stick to neutral colours that complement—not overpower—your image
· Consider non-reflective glass to reduce glare
· Avoid ornate frames unless they really suit the image and space
Frames are usually chosen to match both the photograph and the room it’s displayed in. A moody black and white portrait may suit a matte black frame in a modern lounge, while a soft landscape may look better in natural oak in a warmer setting.
Where to buy?
· Dunelm
You can pick up decent 8x10" frames for about £5—a perfect starting point for creating your own home gallery.
Alternative Display Options
Not ready for wall hooks? Try these instead:
· Clip Frames – Simple, minimalist, but more fragile and not ideal for comps
· Photo Ledges – IKEA and similar stores sell narrow shelves that make it easy to rotate prints without re-hanging
· Print Boxes – Great for storing your work or themed panels (I keep my LRPS and DPAGB submissions in these). Also handy for posting mounted images safely
Portfolio Folders: A Book for Your Prints
Want to share your prints like a photo book? Try a folio binder or photo album.
These are a stylish, practical way to:
· Showcase a body of work
· Take your prints to show others
· Store your favourites without framing everything
Recommended:
· PermaJet Portfolios
· Fotospeed Portfolios
You can also find traditional photo albums for smaller prints—especially good for family and travel shots.
🛠️ Action Step:
Pick one of your favourite prints, mount or frame it, and hang it up at home—even if it’s just on a pinboard.
Notice how it feels to see your work on display. You might be surprised how proud it makes you feel.
🔜 Next Up: “Printing with Lightroom”
Now that you’re ready to show your work off—how do you get the perfect print out of Lightroom?
In the next post, we’ll look at Lightroom’s print module, layout settings, margins, colour management, and how to export for print. Whether you're using a home printer or sending to a lab, this post will help you prepare images properly for stunning results.
