What Mount Cutting Does for Your Artwork
Mount cutting creates a neat border between the artwork and the frame, helping the eye settle on the image instead of the edges. It also keeps the work off the glazing where needed, which matters for photos, prints, certificates and works on paper that need a bit of breathing room. A well cut mount can make a small print feel more finished and a large piece look properly considered.
At our Parkhurst studio, we cut mounts to suit single images, multi opening layouts and presentation pieces for gallery walls. The service is popular for family photographs, limited edition prints, school awards, maps and original artwork that needs careful handling. For clients in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Midrand, Cape Town and Durban, the goal is the same: good proportion, clean edges and a finish that sits well in the room.
- Single or multi opening mount boards
- Conservation spacing for sensitive works
- Standard and bespoke aperture sizes
- Mounts for frames, boxes and floating presentations
What Is Included in the Service
Our mount cutting service includes measuring, layout advice and precise cutting to the size required. We work with acid free and standard mount boards, depending on the piece and the budget. Where needed, we can advise on window size, border width and whether a single or double mount will suit the artwork best.
For pieces that must stay protected from dust, coastal humidity or handling, we can pair the mount with suitable backing and glazing choices. This is useful for clients in Durban and other coastal areas, while Johannesburg clients often ask for mounts that help reduce the effect of indoor dust and load-shedding related handling when artwork is being moved around the home or office.
- Measure and mark artwork or photograph size
- Recommend mount colour and border width
- Cut aperture with clean bevelled edges
- Check fit inside the selected frame
- Prepare for framing, storage or delivery
How We Cut Mounts Step by Step
We start by checking the artwork size, the frame size and the final display intention. A certificate for an office in Sandton may need a tighter border than a landscape print for a lounge in Parkhurst, while a gallery piece in Rosebank may need more white space to sit properly on the wall. Once the proportions are agreed, we set the layout and cut the board to size.
The aperture is then cut with steady pressure and measured corners, so the opening stays square and the bevel is crisp. If the piece needs more than one opening, each window is spaced to balance the composition. Before the work leaves the studio, we check the fit against the frame and make sure the edges are clean, with no fraying, lifting or uneven corners.
- Initial measure and layout check
- Border and opening confirmed
- Board cut to exact outer size
- Aperture cut and inspected
- Final fit checked in frame
Turnaround Times and Collection Planning
Turnaround depends on the size of the mount, the quantity ordered and whether the work is being done as part of a full framing job. A single standard mount can often be completed quickly, while larger or more detailed work may need extra time for careful layout and finishing. For urgent gallery openings or exhibition handovers, let us know early so we can plan the production slot properly.
Clients from Pretoria, Midrand and Johannesburg often arrange collection around office hours, while local Parkhurst customers may prefer to drop off during the day and collect later in the week. If the artwork is part of a larger framing order, we can coordinate the mount cutting with the frame preparation to keep the handover tidy and efficient.
- Simple single openings: often same day or next day
- Custom layouts and double mounts: allow extra time
- Multiple items: planned by job size and quantity
- Gallery and trade orders: scheduled by arrangement
Pricing That Matches the Job
Mount cutting is priced according to board size, material choice, number of openings and the amount of time needed for layout and cutting. A plain single opening in standard board costs less than a large conservation mount with multiple apertures and careful spacing. We quote after seeing the artwork or after receiving the exact measurements, so the price reflects the real job rather than a rough guess.
For homes, the best option is often a practical board that suits the room and the frame. For galleries, photographers and collectors, the price may include conservation grade materials and tighter tolerances. Either way, we keep the pricing clear and discuss the options before cutting starts, so there are no surprises once the work is under way.
- Size of board and frame opening
- Number of apertures
- Standard or conservation material
- Complexity of the layout
- Urgency of the turnaround
Keeping Mounts Looking Fresh
Mount boards do not need much maintenance, but they do benefit from sensible care. Keep framed work out of direct sun where possible, especially near bright windows or in rooms that heat up during summer. In coastal areas like Durban, moisture control matters because humidity can affect paper, board and backing over time. In Johannesburg, dust and handling are the main concerns.
If a mount starts to show marks, waviness or discolouration, bring the piece in for inspection. In many cases the artwork can be reframed with a fresh mount rather than replaced entirely. As a general guide, inspect framed paper pieces every 3 to 5 years, and sooner if the work is in a busy passage, office or room with strong light.
- Check for sun fade and board discolouration
- Watch for ripples caused by moisture
- Inspect corners after moving house
- Replace ageing mounts during reframing
Key facts
| Board thickness | Commonly 1.4 mm to 3.0 mm, depending on the finish required |
|---|---|
| Aperture styles | Single opening, multi opening, square, rectangle and custom shapes |
| Mount options | Standard, acid free and conservation grade boards |
| Border widths | Usually 40 mm to 90 mm, adjusted to the artwork and frame size |
| Suitable items | Photos, prints, certificates, certificates of merit, drawings and artwork on paper |
| Service areas | Parkhurst, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Midrand, Sandton, Rosebank, Cape Town and Durban |
