What float mounting does to the final look
Float mounting is a framing method where the artwork sits on top of the backing rather than being tucked fully under a mount window. The edges stay visible, which gives the piece a more open look and a stronger sense of depth. It suits paper works, hand deckled edges, limited edition prints and pieces where the border is part of the artwork itself.
At Bright Frames in Parkhurst, we use float mounting for customers who want the work to feel present and well spaced in the frame. It is often chosen for galleries, studios and homes where the frame should support the piece without closing it in. Done properly, it keeps the artwork flat, secure and well balanced, with the surface protected and the finish neat.
Sizes, framing options and finish choices
Float mount frames can be made to suit small pieces or large statement works, from compact certificates to oversized prints for reception areas and living rooms. The exact frame depth, rebate size and backing board are chosen to match the item and the final look you want. We also help with spacing so the artwork sits naturally in the frame and does not look crowded.
Common options include timber-look frames, painted finishes, slim contemporary profiles and wider gallery-style frames. Glass or clear acrylic can be used depending on the artwork, the budget and where the frame will hang. For coastal homes and busy public spaces, a lighter glazing option may be useful. If the frame is for a high-traffic area, we can suggest the safer choice for transport and daily handling.
- Standard sizes and custom sizes available
- Single-piece float mount or double-border presentation
- Choice of neutral, dark or natural frame finishes
- Optional UV filtering glazing for sun exposure
- Backing designed for flat support and long-term stability
Where float mount frames work best
This style suits artworks that need breathing room, especially where the edge detail is important. Photographs on fine paper, limited edition prints, original drawings, signed sports memorabilia and small fabric pieces all work well in a float mount. It is also a practical choice for corporate reception areas, hotel lobbies and gallery walls where presentation matters and each piece needs its own clear space.
For homes, float mounting is popular in bedrooms, passage walls and lounge areas where people want a polished display without a heavy frame treatment. In Johannesburg and Pretoria, it often works well in modern interiors with clean lines. In Cape Town and Durban, customers sometimes choose it with lighter finishes to suit bright rooms and coastal light. If a room gets strong sun or humidity, we will guide you on the right materials and glazing so the frame holds up better over time.
- Art prints and photographs
- Original artworks on paper
- Certificates and awards
- Fabric samples and textiles
- Memorabilia and keepsakes
How the installation is handled
Float mounting needs careful placement because the artwork must sit straight, level and fully supported. We prepare the backing, position the piece, secure it without putting stress on the surface and close the frame so the finish stays tidy. For larger items, we check the weight and hanging point before the frame leaves the studio. That helps avoid movement, especially on plaster walls or hollow sections where fixings must be chosen properly.
There is no power or gas requirement for the framing itself. For wall installation, only the right hanging hardware and suitable wall plugs or anchors are needed. If the frame will be installed in a gallery, office or hospitality space, we can advise on bracket placement and spacing between pieces. For very heavy frames or large glazed works, it is wise to have two people on site during hanging, and in some cases a professional installer is the better choice.
Care, cleaning and long-term servicing
Float mounted frames are easy to live with if they are kept out of direct damp and handled with clean hands. Dust the frame with a dry soft cloth and wipe the glazing only with the correct cleaner on the outside surface. Avoid spray cleaners near the edges because liquid can creep under the frame lip. If the artwork is on delicate paper or has textured edges, do not press on the surface.
In Johannesburg, dust and dry air can affect the frame over time, while in coastal areas humidity may cause paper to move slightly if it was not mounted with the right materials. If you notice shifting, sagging, marks on the glazing or a frame that has opened at the corners, bring it in for checking. We do repairs, reframing and glass replacement, and we can rework older pieces that need a cleaner presentation. A small service now can save the artwork later.
- Keep away from direct sunlight where possible
- Do not hang above heat sources or in wet bathrooms
- Use two hands when moving larger frames
- Check wall fixings after moving house or office furniture
- Bring back for inspection if the artwork starts to lift
What to check before you order
Before ordering a float mount frame, measure the artwork carefully and confirm whether the visible edge should stay fully exposed or partly covered. Tell us if the paper has deckled edges, tears, signatures near the border or any special marks that must remain visible. We also need to know whether the piece must be framed face-in with glazing, or whether an open presentation is better for the setting. A quick chat on the enquiry form helps us avoid problems later.
It is also worth checking where the frame will hang, because that affects the choice of finish and materials. Bright rooms, shared offices and homes near the coast may need different advice from a private study or gallery wall. If you are matching several frames for one project, bring the sizes together so the spacing stays consistent. Our team in Parkhurst can guide you through the options and make sure the final piece suits the artwork and the room, not just the frame sample.
- Artwork size, including the full edge if it is to remain visible
- Preferred frame colour and profile
- Glazing choice for light, protection and handling
- Hanging location and room conditions
- Any signatures, labels or edge details to keep visible
Float mount framing for homes, galleries and collections
Bright Frames supplies float mount frames from our Parkhurst studio to customers across Johannesburg, Pretoria, Midrand, Sandton, Rosebank, Cape Town and Durban, with collection and delivery arranged as needed. We work with homeowners, photographers, artists, galleries and businesses that want a careful finish rather than a standard off-the-shelf look. Since 2008, our team has handled single pieces and full wall groupings, always with attention to the fit, finish and the condition of the artwork.
Whether the brief is a family photograph, a gallery print or a framed certificate, float mounting gives the piece a measured, well made presentation. If you are unsure what size, finish or glazing to choose, send the details through the enquiry form and we will talk you through the options. It is usually a small decision that makes a proper difference once the frame is on the wall.
Key facts
| Frame type | Float mount framing for paper works, prints and selected keepsakes |
|---|---|
| Custom sizes | Made to order from small items to oversized statement pieces |
| Material options | Timber-look, painted and gallery-style profiles |
| Glazing | Clear glass or acrylic, with UV filtering available |
| Mount style | Single border, double border or open-edge presentation |
| Service area | Parkhurst, Johannesburg and nationwide delivery across South Africa |
