Deciding whether to mount your art prints or keep them loose can impact everything from presentation and pricing to shipping and customer experience. Both options have their advantages—loose prints offer flexibility and affordability, while mounted prints provide structure and display-ready quality. Here’s how to decide which one fits your workflow, product lineup, and audience.
What Is a Loose Print?
Loose prints are simply your artwork printed on professional photo or fine art paper with no backing or frame. They’re lightweight, cost-effective, and versatile, making them ideal for both online sales and framing at home or in a studio.
Common Uses for Loose Prints
- Sold flat or rolled for easy shipping
- Packaged in clear sleeves for resale
- Framed or matted by the customer
- Displayed at markets or included in portfolios
Paper Types for Loose Prints
Fine Art Papers (Giclée)
- Hot Press Bright: Smooth matte surface, bright white, 100% cotton
- Cold Press Bright: Textured matte finish with a bright tone, 100% cotton
- Photo Rag: Velvety matte texture, 100% cotton fiber, ideal for fine art reproduction
- William Turner: Textured watercolor-style surface with a warm white tone
- FineArt Baryta: Glossy surface with high contrast and deep blacks
Photo Papers
- Luster: Subtle gloss and orange-peel texture that reduces glare
- Glossy: High gloss finish with vivid color and sharp detail
- Metallic Glossy: Pearlescent sheen that enhances contrast and highlights
- Photo Matte Fibre: Non-reflective matte with a natural tone, perfect for soft images
Need help choosing your paper? Order our Free Media Sample Set to compare textures and finishes before printing.
Border Options
- Borderless: The image prints edge-to-edge
- ¼-inch or 1-inch Border: Added around the image for matting, framing, or signing
What Is a Mounted Print?
Mounted prints are printed artworks adhered to a rigid foam board or Gatorfoam backing. This provides strength and structure, making them ready to frame, hang, or handle without curling or bending. Mounted prints are ideal for professional displays, gallery shows, and retail environments.
Best Uses for Mounted Prints
- Artists preparing for exhibitions or art fairs
- Collectors who prefer ready-to-hang artwork
- Retailers looking for sturdy, display-ready products
- Portfolios or presentation samples for client meetings
Mounting Options
- 3/16″ White Foam Board: Lightweight and economical option
- 3/16″ Black Gatorfoam (Pro): Dense, rigid, and professional-grade surface
Note: Mounted prints cannot include added white borders. If you want borders on a mounted print, you’ll need to include them in your digital file before uploading.
Loose vs Mounted Prints: Comparison Chart
| Feature | Loose Print | Mounted Print |
|---|---|---|
| Backing | None | Foam Board or Gatorfoam |
| Flexibility | Can roll or store flat | Rigid and display-ready |
| Shipping | Flat or rolled (lower cost) | Flat only (bulkier, higher cost) |
| Framing | DIY or professional framing | Ready to frame, fits standard sizes |
| Durability | Flexible but more delicate | Stronger, ideal for handling and display |
| Cost | Lower production cost | Slightly higher due to materials |
| Best For | Online sales, framing, or matting | Shows, galleries, and retail displays |
Durability and Longevity
All Stackhouse prints use archival-quality inks and papers designed to last over 100 years when stored or displayed properly. To ensure longevity:
- Store loose prints in acid-free sleeves or boxes
- Frame prints behind glass or acrylic for protection
- Avoid direct sunlight and high humidity
Mounted prints offer better durability for handling and are perfect for display portfolios or on-site samples. They resist warping, bending, and wear during transport.
Framing Recommendations
For Loose Prints
- Use acid-free mats and backings to prevent discoloration.
- Use spacers or matting to prevent prints from touching glass.
- Flatten rolled prints before framing to ensure a smooth fit.
For Mounted Prints
- Check your frame’s depth; most mounted prints are 3/16″ thick.
- Can be framed with or without glass for different aesthetics.
- Floater or shadow box frames work beautifully for a modern look.
Shipping Differences
Loose prints can be shipped rolled in tubes or flat in protective sleeves, keeping costs low and minimizing weight. Mounted prints must be shipped flat and require additional packaging for support, especially in larger sizes.
For full details on shipping methods and recommendations, visit our Shipping Info page.
Pro Tip: You can order loose prints online and have them mounted locally to save on shipping fees for large or bulk orders.
Which Option Is Right for You?
Choose Loose Prints If:
- You want to frame or mat prints yourself.
- You need to keep shipping light and cost-effective.
- You plan to sell high quantities or offer affordable options.
Choose Mounted Prints If:
- You’re preparing for an art show, gallery, or market display.
- You need a professional, ready-to-hang product.
- You want a more durable format for handling and transportation.
Explore More Finishing Options
Looking for other display or packaging upgrades? Consider:
Final Thoughts
Loose and mounted prints both have their place in a successful art business. Loose prints are flexible, economical, and ideal for eCommerce or framing, while mounted prints offer premium presentation and durability for in-person events and galleries. Choosing the right format ensures your artwork is displayed beautifully and delivered safely.
Ready to print your next series? Explore Giclée Fine Art Prints, order a Free Media Sample Set to preview our papers, or contact us for personalized recommendations on printing and mounting options.
