Should I have a mount?

Ideally all artwork and prints should be mounted to protect from the inside of the glass due to humidity.

Glossy photographs and prints can result in an optical phenomenon known as “Newton's Rings.” This occurs when two shiny surfaces come into contact, such as a glossy photo pressing against the glass of a frame. The appearance of these rings can be distracting and detracts from the overall presentation of your artwork, but can also cause irreversible damage.

To avoid such issues and to ensure the longevity of your photographs, using a custom mount is highly recommended. This simple addition not only enhances the visual impact of your framed work but also provides the necessary separation to preserve its condition.

Framing pastels

Some artists prefer to fix their pastels despite the potential drawbacks, acknowledging that even fixed pastels can still become loose over time. When framing a pastel artwork, it is essential to ensure that it remains a safe distance from the glass. This is because glass can generate a static charge during cleaning, leading to dust accumulation on the interior surface, which can detract from the artwork's appearance.

To effectively address this issue, I recommend using a double mount to provide adequate depth or alternatively, using a spacer (shadow mount) between the pastel and a single mount which can also achieve the necessary space. This approach not only preserves the integrity of the pastel by keeping it away from the glass but also allows any loose pastel particles to settle behind the mount, rather than on the cut bevel of the mount, maintaining the artwork's pristine look.