In today’s framing tutorial, we’re walking you through how to float mount your art at home using just a few materials and a custom frame.
If you’ve ever stopped to admire artwork that seems to “hover” inside a frame, well, that’s float mounting, baby! And we’re going to teach you how to do it! It’s one of our favorite techniques for adding a modern, elevated touch to prints, photos, or keepsakes. Bonus: You don’t need to be a professional framer to do it.
How do floating frames and float mounting work?
Float mounting is a framing method where the artwork is attached on top of the matboard or backing instead of sitting behind it. This exposes the edges of the artwork and creates a small shadow around it, making the piece look like it’s “floating” inside the frame. It’s ideal for deckled edges, handmade pieces, or art you want to highlight.
Floating frames create a similar effect but with a different structure. The artwork sits inside the frame with a visible gap between the art and the frame moulding. That empty space creates a shadow line around the edges, giving the piece a clean, gallery-style look often used for canvas or thicker artwork.
Both techniques add depth, dimension, and a modern presentation while keeping the focus on the artwork.
Materials Needed For Float Mounting
Before you get started, gather your materials:
- Your custom frame (we can help with that part!)
- Your artwork, photo, or print
- A matboard or backing board
- Acid-free mounting tape or adhesive tabs
- A ruler & pencil
If your photo or art is 3 1/2″ x 5″ ft like ours, your order may look like this:
Frame
- Art Size: 6 1/2″ x 8″
- Outside Frame Size: 8 3/4″ x 10 1/4″
- Style: Granby, in Antique White
- Cover: Conservation Clear Acrylic
- Backing: Acid Free Foamcore
- Outside Frame Size: 8 3/4″ x 10 1/4″
Outer Matboard
- Color: Smooth Black
- Opening Type: Rectangle
- Opening Position: Centered
- Outside Dimensions: 6 1/2″ x 8″
- Inside Dimensions: 4 1/2″ x 6″
Inner Matboard
- Color: Antique White
- Opening Type: Blank – No Opening
- Opening Position: Centered
- Outside Dimensions: 6 1/2″ x 8″
You can order matboards separately through our Matboard page for a bit of extra creative freedom — without making things complicated. Just be sure your Outside Dimensions match your Art Size (as indicated above) in the Frame Designer for a perfect fit.
Step 1: Find the Center of Your Matboard
Lay your matboard flat and mark the center lightly with a pencil. Our favorite way to do this is to use a ruler, making small diagonal marks by placing your ruler diagonally from one corner to the other. This ensures your artwork will be perfectly centered inside the frame.
A Quick Note on Adhesives: When choosing tape or tabs, always use archival-grade framing materials. These are acid-free and designed to protect your artwork over time, ensuring no yellowing, sticking, or damage to the paper. Using archival framing supplies keeps your piece looking fresh and museum-quality for years to come.
Step 2: Place Your Adhesive
Attach small pieces of mounting tape or adhesive corners to the back of your artwork. Place them near the top edge for support. If you’re looking for some extra float, avoid going too close to the corners. This helps the art “float” visually above the matboard.
Step 3: Flip and Position Your Art
Carefully flip your artwork over and position it on the matboard using your center marks as a guide. Press gently to secure it in place.
Step 4: Disassemble Your Frame
Next, take apart your frame by folding back the tabs, removing the backing, acrylic, and any protective materials. It’s almost time to add your float-mounted artwork inside.
Step 5: Reassemble and Reveal
Place the glazing back in first, followed by your newly float-mounted art and outer matboard, and foamcore backing board. Secure everything in by folding back the tabs and re-wrapping the wire around the hardware.
Drumroll please….
And there she is! Your float-mounted framed art.
Why Float Mounting Works
Float mounting adds dimension, depth, and a touch of sophistication. It highlights the edges of your artwork and creates the illusion that it’s ever-so-gently suspended within the frame. Whether it’s an art print, photo, or a sentimental note, this method lets your piece quite literally…pop!
Float Mount with Custom Frames
Ready to give your art the spotlight it deserves? Design your frame, choose your matboard (or in this case, 2 matboards!), and try float mounting something. It’s an easy way to add a professional finish, and even makes a great DIY framed gift.
Watch the full video tutorial to see each step explained and get inspired to float mount your next piece of art or photo.
