Should Your Print Be Mounted or Unmounted? What You Need to Know

Mounted or unmounted—what’s the best way to show off your prints?

By the end of this article, you’ll know which one fits your space, your budget, and your style. You’ll learn:

• The pros and cons of mounted vs. unmounted prints
• How mounting affects durability and presentation
• Simple tips for framing, storage, and handling

Everything here comes from hands-on testing, so you’ll get advice you can actually trust—not just stuff we copied from other sites.

Mounted Prints: The “Ready-to-Go” Option

Imagine you buy a print, unwrap it, and it’s almost gallery-ready. A mounted print has the structure to display right away, though you may still need a frame or hanging hardware depending on the size and backing.

A mounted print has been glued or attached to a rigid backing like foam core, gatorboard, or mat board. This backing makes the print stiff, stable, and much harder to accidentally crease or warp. In other words, it’s the VIP treatment for your art.

Mounted prints are the ones galleries love. They look polished, professional, and just plain ready to hang. No extra framing? No problem. That said, you can still frame them if you want—mounting doesn’t lock you into a single look forever.

Why Mounted Prints Are Awesome

• Durable and Safe: The rigid backing makes these prints sturdy. They’re less likely to bend, curl, or get damaged while handling. If you’re buying a large-format print, mounting is basically a must.
• Instantly Professional: Mounted prints look finished. The backing gives structure, so your artwork looks clean and polished right out of the package. This is perfect for showing off your collection without a ton of fuss.
• No Framing Hassle: If you want to display your print immediately, mounting has you covered. Unlike unmounted prints, which always need mats or frames to look polished, mounted prints are easier to display right away—though for some larger pieces, adding a frame or hanging hardware may still be necessary.
• Large Prints Benefit Most: Big prints can sag or curl over time if they aren’t mounted. The rigid backing keeps them flat and visually striking.
• Handle With Confidence: Because they’re stiff, mounted prints are easier to handle without fear of bending or accidental damage.

The Downsides of Mounted Prints

Nothing’s perfect, right? Here’s what to keep in mind:

• They Cost More: Mounting isn’t free. The materials and labor add to the price of your print.
• Less Flexible: Once a print is mounted, it can’t be rolled for storage or shipping. You’re committed to the current backing, so it’s important to use high-quality, archival materials if you want it to last.
• Mount Failure Can Happen: Cheap adhesives or low-quality boards can eventually fail, which could damage your print. Pro tip: always make sure high-quality materials and archival techniques are used.

Unmounted Prints: The “DIY-Friendly” Option

Now, let’s talk about unmounted prints. These are basically straight-off-the-printer pieces of art. They’re flexible, light, and give you the freedom to frame and display them however you want.

Think of unmounted prints as a blank canvas—well, almost literally. They’re popular with collectors who want control over framing and storage, and they’re common for online sales, limited editions, and larger collections where storage space is a factor.

Quick Look at Display Options

Why Unmounted Prints Can Be Great

• Affordable: Without the added cost of mounting, unmounted prints are usually cheaper. Perfect if you’re building a collection on a budget.
• Flexible Storage: You can store them flat or carefully roll them in tubes made for art—but be careful, as rolling some prints can cause curling or surface wear. Proper storage makes unmounted prints easier to manage and ship safely.
• Complete Control Over Framing: Want a custom mat? A fancy frame? Or maybe you’re going for something totally unique? Unmounted prints let you do that. You decide the final look.
• Perfect for Long-Term Planning: Collectors who rotate their art, swap frames, or store prints for future use love unmounted prints. They’re just easier to work with over the long haul.
• Versatile for All Uses: Whether it’s an online purchase, a limited edition, or a personal collection, unmounted prints give you the freedom to make display choices that suit your space and taste.

The Downsides of Unmounted Prints

• More Delicate: Without a backing, unmounted prints can crease, bend, or warp if you’re not careful. Handling and storage need extra attention.
• Extra Work to Display: Unlike mounted prints, unmounted prints aren’t display-ready. You’ll need to frame, mat, or otherwise prepare them before they look polished on a wall.
• Warps Easily: Especially with large prints, the paper can curl or warp over time if it’s not properly framed or stored.

Pros & Cons at a Glance

So… Which One Should You Get?

Honestly, it depends on what you want out of your collection. Here’s a simple guide:

Go for Mounted Prints If:

• You want your artwork ready-to-hang immediately.
• You’re buying large prints that need support.
• You want durability and protection from handling.
• You like a professional, gallery-style look.
• You want to skip extra framing steps.

Go for Unmounted Prints If:

• You want full control over framing and display.
• You’re on a budget and don’t want to pay for mounting.
• You need flexibility for storage or shipping.
• You’re building a large collection and need easy storage.
• You want full control over framing while keeping your prints safe long-term. Proper storage and framing with acid-free mats and sleeves are key to archival safety, even without mounting.

Pro Tips From Experts

Museum archivists often recommend minimal permanent mounting. Instead of gluing your prints to a board, they suggest alternatives like photo corners, hinge mounts, or archival sleeves. These methods keep the print flat, protected, and changeable over time.

Even with mounted prints, quality matters. Cheap boards or adhesives can warp or fail, which defeats the point of mounting. For valuable art, professional services using archival and reversible methods—like hinge mounting or photo corners—are the safest choice.

For unmounted prints, storage is key. Keep them flat in acid-free folders or roll them in tubes made for fine art. And if you can, store them in a climate-controlled space—humidity and temperature changes are the silent enemies of your collection.

Final Verdict

Mounted and unmounted prints are both winners, but in totally different ways. Mounted prints are durable, ready-to-display, and professional-looking, making them perfect for large works, galleries, or collectors who want hassle-free presentation. Unmounted prints are flexible, affordable, and give collectors full control over framing and storage, making them ideal for personal collections or long-term archival planning.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to how you plan to store, display, and protect your prints. Are you all about convenience and polished presentation? Go mounted. Want control and flexibility while keeping costs down? Go unmounted.

No matter which route you choose, understanding the difference will help you protect your investment and make your collection look amazing for years to come. Whether you’re hanging one statement piece or curating a full collection, picking the right print type is one of the most important first steps.