Plaque Mounting Explained: Turn Any Photo into a Statement Piece
Plaque mounting is a print finishing technique in which a photo print is flat mounted to a hard board and then cut and hardware is added to hang the finished product. This gives the result of a frameless, glare-free, glass-free wall piece which won't curl or warp. It is light and less expensive than custom framing and is perfect for contemporary displays.
You have a photo that you love. Perhaps it's a family portrait, a sunrise over a mountain or a picture from a trip you still remember. It’s in your phone or drawer, and you don't know how to give it the space it needs.
One of the easiest ways of doing that is by plaque mounting. Transforms a photo print into a perfectly framed, neat, ready-to-hang item without a frame, glass or hassle.
This guide covers the basics of plaque mounting, how it works, and its best use.
What Is Plaque Mounting?
Plaque mounting is a final printing process that includes a photographic print that is attached to a hard board, typically a smooth wood-based panel. It is sealed and finished in the edges and it produces a flat and robust display item.
Many people envision a plaque as an award or as a wood sign. This is not a plaque mounted print. The photo is the star, and the board provides the structure and a nice finish.
The print is bonded flat and is supported by the entire surface ensuring smoothness. It will never curl, sag or ripple as may happen in an unmounted print.
How Does Plaque Mounting Work?
The process is simple:
The photo is printed: The picture is printed on good quality photo paper and is in the correct size.
The print is bonded: The print is professionally mounted on the board. This helps to prevent bubbles and wrinkles.
The edges are finished : The edges are trimmed to ensure a clean and finished look from all angles.
Hanging hardware is added: The hanging hardware is attached and the piece is ready for hanging on the wall or shelf.
Each shop and each product is different. The aim is always the same, a permanent piece that will reflect your image without any additional layers over it that can get in the way.
Why Choose Plaque Mounting?
A clean, modern look
No mat, frame or glass is in the way between you and the image. The collection features a central image of the photo, appealing for modern environments and strong visual impact.
Sturdy and long-lasting
The stamped backing ensures that the print will not bend, warp or be handled regularly. It's a practical selection for a piece that you wish to enjoy for years.
Lightweight and easy to hang
Prints mounted on the plaque tend to be lighter than framed prints with glass. Easy to hang, move and rehang.
Budget-friendly
Plaque mounting is cheaper than expensive custom framing, and it's a great option for creating beautiful wall art from photos.
Glare-free viewing
Without any layer of glass, there's no reflections to contend with. It can be viewed from any angle, even in bright light.
What Kinds of Photos Work Best?
Any photo is capable of being plaque mounted. Some of the most popular choices are:
- Family portraits and milestone photos: Portrait photos of family and milestone photos such as weddings, graduations and new babies
- Travel and landscape shots : A wide variety of travel and landscape photos that cry for a large presentation.A lot of travel and landscape photos that call out for a big presentation.
- Pet photos: For the member of the family who cannot keep his or her face out of the pictures, pet photos are the answer.
- Black-and-white photography : Black and white photography, clean finish exposes the contrast and texture.
- Team, event and business photos : Team and event pictures and business photos for office, studio and common area locations.
The most important is the image quality. Printing will always be better if the photo is sharp, well-exposed and has a good resolution. If you're not sure if it's good enough, then a print shop can check it out prior to your order.
Where Can You Display a Plaque-Mounted Print?
- Living rooms and hallways: Form a gallery wall or one focal point
- Bedrooms and nurseries: soft and personal imagery, not heavy framing.
- Home offices: Encourage workers to have inspiring photos of them and their families at eye level in their home offices or to have something that is deeply meaningful to them.
- Shelves and desks: Placed on a plaque, many of these pieces can be exhibited standing on shelves and desks.
- Businesses and workplaces: Photos of the team, project displays and recognition displays for businesses and work places.
- Gifts: a photo that your recipient will hang up and keep.
Plaque Mounting vs. Other Display Options
There is no worse choice in all circumstances. Plaque mounting is a firm fit and is ideal for those who do not wish to have a frame or frame-mounting; it offers a crisp and firm look without the bulk or weight of the frame.
Tips for Getting the Best Result
- Start with the highest-resolution file you have. Do not use a screen shot or compressed copy sent via a messaging app, use the original from your camera or phone.
- Choose the size for your space. Take a measurement of your wall and keep in mind that a big print will be more appealing than a small one in a big blank space.
- Mind the cropping. Be sure to keep significant elements (such as faces) off the edges of the drawing.
- Think about the room’s light. The matte or glossy finish may appear differently in the amount of natural light received on the wall.
- Care for it gently. Dampen with a soft dry cloth and steer clear of moisture and direct sunlight.
Ready to Turn Your Photo into a Statement Piece?
Plaque mounting is a very little complicated process to convert a photo into a wall art. It's clean, hardwearing and inexpensive, and will make any image look planned.
If you’re ready to see what your favorite photo could look like, explore the plaque mounting options on the Cloudburst Designs and take the first step toward displaying the images that matter most to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is plaque mounting?
Plaque mounting is a process of finishing a print by attaching it to a hard board. The edges are trimmed and hanging hardware attached. This ensures you get a flat, solid, frame-less glass-less wall to attach.
How is plaque mounting different from a framed print?
Framed print behind glass in frame, usually with a mat. A plaque-mounted print is actually directly glued to a solid board, no frame, no glass and no glare around the print. This will make it look cleaner, more modern, and it's typically lighter and less costly.
How is plaque mounting different from canvas?
Canvas is made of a textured fabric and stretched over a frame for a soft painterly appearance. A plaque-mounted print preserves the smooth, shiny surface of a photographic print on a flat, rigid surface. Artistic images are well complemented with Canvas, whilst sharp detail and a polished look are better achieved with a plaque mounting.
What types of photos work best for plaque mounting?
Family photos, landscapes, travel photos, pet photos, black and white photos, team and event photos – just about anything makes a good photo! The best result will be achieved with a sharp, well-exposed, high resolution image.
Do plaque-mounted prints need to be framed?
No. The board is shaped by the print and has a finished edge to hang or stand alone. If desired, you can insert it into a bigger frame or gallery wall.
Can a plaque-mounted print be displayed on a shelf or desk?
Yes. Depending on the size and the hardware, many plaque mounted pieces can be displayed on a shelf, mantel or desk. They're also placed on a wall.
Will a plaque-mounted print warp or curl over time?
No. The print is bonded flat on its entire surface thus remaining smooth and supported. It can last longer if it is kept away from damp places and direct sunlight for extended periods of time.
How do I care for a plaque-mounted print?
Gently dust with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use harsh cleaners or wet wipes and don't place it near moisture, heat sources or strong direct sunlight.
What resolution does my photo need?
Use the highest resolution version of the file that you have, directly from your camera or phone. Photos sent via messages or social media platforms tend to be softer printed than screenshots. If you're in any doubt, a print shop will be able to scan your file before you order, so you can be sure that everything is in order.
What size should I choose?
First measure the wall area or display space. It's always better to have a bigger print than a small print on a large wall. A combination of sizes is appropriate for a gallery wall.
Is plaque mounting a good gift idea?
Yes. A photo mounted on a plaque is personal and perfect for a birthday, wedding, anniversary, graduation, holiday and more.
Where can I get photos plaque mounted?
To get your photo in front of a crowd, you can have plaque mounting from a professional print shop like Cloudburst Designs, where you upload your photo, select a size and have a finished plaque with a wall-ready finish.