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This guide shows the quickest and most popular way to attach artwork on paper (prints, photos, watercolours and so on) to a mount. It is a practical everyday method, not a full conservation technique.
For valuable or irreplaceable artwork we recommend professional conservation framing. If you are near Bedford, you are welcome to bring it to our workshop.
The basic hinge method
Recommended for beginners.
Step 3: Put acid-free barrier board behind your artwork to keep it away from the MDF backing. Attach it to the mount with double-sided tape on two or more sides.
Recommended tapes
- 25mm or 38mm brown kraft tape. Good for everyday, low-value prints.
- PH7 archival tape. Acid-free and reversible, so better for more valuable work.
Important dos and don'ts
- Do tape along the top edge only. This lets the artwork expand and contract naturally.
- Never tape all four sides. It makes the artwork buckle.
- This method suits artwork of low to medium value.
- For valuable pieces, use professional conservation mounting (reversible, acid-free techniques).
