How to Mount and Frame a Picture: A Complete Beginner’s Guide

Framing a picture does more than preserve a moment—it transforms it into a centerpiece. Whether you're showcasing a family photo, a travel snapshot, or a piece of art, learning how to mount a picture in a frame adds both visual appeal and longevity. This guide covers the essentials of picture mounting and framing, offering practical tips for a polished result you can be proud of.

Understanding Picture Mounting and Framing

Picture mounting is the process of attaching your photo or artwork to a backing board, often using an additional mat board to add depth or highlight the subject. Framing then involves enclosing the mounted piece in a suitable frame—wood, metal, or acrylic—paired with a protective glazing like glass or acrylic sheet.

Together, mounting and framing protect your picture from dust, moisture, and handling damage while enhancing its display.

How to Mount a Picture in a Frame: Step-by-Step

1. Choose the Right Frame and Mat

Start with selecting a frame that suits your photo and decor style. For a timeless look, black or wooden frames work well. Matting adds space between the picture and the frame glass, preventing sticking and creating a professional appearance.

Pro tip: Use acid-free mat and backing boards to avoid yellowing over time.

2. Prepare the Mounting Materials

You'll need:

Acid-free tape or photo corners
A backing board (foam core or mat board)
A mat (optional, but highly recommended)
A clean microfiber cloth for dust removal

3. Mount the Photo

Carefully align your photo on the backing board or within the mat window. Use small pieces of archival tape at the top edge only—this lets the photo "float" slightly to adjust with humidity changes without warping.

4. Assemble the Frame

Clean both sides of the frame glass or acrylic sheet. Place your mounted photo into the frame, ensuring it's centered and dust-free. Secure it with the frame’s clips or fasteners.

5. Seal and Hang

After inserting everything, double-check for specks or fingerprints. Seal the back with framing tape and add hanging hardware. For larger pieces, use wall anchors or picture-hanging hooks rated for the frame's weight.

Mounting Photos in Frames: What to Avoid

Avoid regular tape: It can discolor and damage prints over time.
Don’t skip the mat: Even a narrow mat helps prevent the image from sticking to the glass.
Skip spray adhesives: They can be messy and difficult to reverse.

Personal Note: Why I Started Framing My Own Pictures

When I returned from a hiking trip through the Rockies, I had dozens of breathtaking landscape shots I didn’t want buried in digital folders. I decided to frame one—a sunrise over Moraine Lake. Learning how to mount and frame that photo made the memory tangible. Now, it hangs in my home office, and every time I glance at it, I’m reminded of crisp mountain air and silent pine forests. Framing photos has since become a small but satisfying ritual whenever I want to preserve something that matters.

Final Thoughts

Mounting and framing a picture isn’t just a craft—it’s a way to elevate personal stories. With a few quality materials and some attention to detail, you can turn any photo into a lasting piece of home decor. Whether you're mounting a graduation portrait or a travel snapshot, doing it yourself adds meaning—and a bit of pride—to every frame on your wall.