Mount Boards, Mounting Board, Foam Board, it’s all the same isn’t it?

Well actually no, and it’s very important to make sure you’re purchasing the right thing. Here at Paper Spectrum you’ll only find our range of Mount Board and Window Mounts, so you can rest assured that when you order, it won’t be a box of foam board turning up!
Our Pinnacle Mount board is a versatile material used for crafting, professional presentations and mounting photographs for personal use and competitions. We have a variety of choices including different shades and core colours, sizes and precut windows or full boards. 
Our mount boards range from 1.2mm – 1.4mm in thickness perfect for any project or presentation. 

Important note: 
Our Pinnacle boards are acid free.
Acid-free mount board is specially formulated to protect artwork and photographs from degradation over time. It is free from acidic compounds that can cause yellowing and deterioration, making it ideal for archival purposes.

So now we’ve established the basics, let’s crack on with how to get the best out of your Pinnacle purchase.

We stock 11 different 500 x 400mm options that are perfect for PAGB (Photographers Alliance of Great Britain) approved and Club competitions. You can use these to cut any size window you like creating a unique and impressive entry that will wow the judges. 
If cutting your own windows feels a little daunting, we have a wide range of pre-cut windows that make it easy to start on your photographic competition journey.  The pre-cut windows mean you can concentrate all your efforts on producing the best print possible. 
Windows are cut with a 45-degree bevel drawing the eye to your photograph. 
To accompany these, we have a selection of backing boards 0.7mm thick that finish off your entry perfectly. 

Our Pinnacle mount boards are also available in A1 which is perfect for use in schools or for those important presentations. You can cut these down to whatever size you need, creating an eye-catching display.  

Now that you're familiar with the types of mounting board available, let's look at how to use it in your projects:
Cutting Mounting Board:

•    Use a sharp utility knife or a mat cutter to cut mounting board to your desired size and shape.
•    Measure and mark your cutting lines carefully before making any cuts.
•    For straight cuts, use a metal ruler or straight edge as a guide to ensure clean, precise edges.

And we know it sounds obvious, but please be careful when using any crafting blades as we’ve probably all seen the damage they can do if you lose concentration. (That was a Paper Spectrum safety announcement born out of painful experience!)

Mounting Artwork and Photographs:

•    Prepare your mount board or pre-cut window by ensuring it is clean and free from dust and debris.
•    Apply an adhesive to the front or back (depending on reason for mounting) of your artwork or photograph using a brush or roller, ensuring even coverage. Alternatively, you can use double sided tape, kraft tape or spray adhesives.
•    Carefully position your artwork or photograph on the mount board, taking care to avoid wrinkles or air bubbles.
•    Use a brayer type roller to smooth out any wrinkles and ensure a secure bond between the artwork and mounting board.
•    Allow sufficient drying time before handling or framing your mounted piece.

Note - When framing a photograph for competition you will also want to add a backing board. You can choose to use a regular backing board or self-adhesive backing board depending on your preference. 

Another note - The self-adhesive boards are very sticky so make sure you measure and line your photo up perfectly before peeling back approx. 50mm of the cover paper. Start to stick your image down a bit at a time peeling more of the cover paper back as you go. Use a cloth to smooth out any bubbles.  

If you are making your own photographic windows, then consider investing in a window mount cutter which will make cutting the 45-degree bevel edge much easier. 

Creating 3D Art and Displays:

•    Use multiple layers of mount board to create depth and dimension in your artwork or displays.
•    Experiment with stacking and layering pieces of mount board to achieve the desired effect.
•    Consider using foam adhesive or spacers to create distance between layers and add visual interest.

Framing and Displaying:

•    Mount board is commonly used as a backing board in picture framing to provide support and stability for artwork and photographs.
•    Choose a frame that complements your mounted piece and ensures a snug fit.
•    Secure the mount board within the frame using framing points or clips to prevent shifting or damage.

Enhancing Presentations and Displays:

•    Mount board is an excellent choice for creating professional presentations, displays, and signage.
•    Use mount board to add visual interest and highlight key information.
•    Experiment with different mounting techniques, such as layering, overlapping, and angling, to create dynamic and eye-catching displays.

Using mount board opens up a world of creative possibilities for photographers, artists, and crafters
alike. Whether you're mounting PAGB competitions prints, artwork, creating displays, or enhancing presentations, mount boards provide a versatile and reliable solution. 

By understanding the various cutting and mounting techniques, you can unleash your creativity and bring your projects to life in stunning detail.