Picture mounting is a great way to present your prints for exhibitions or the home. Materials such as MDF and Foamex are prized for durability, MDF for rigidity, Foamboard for lightweight versatility.
Reverse Perspex is ideal for vibrant colours and aluminium adds a modern twist. Each material has its own particular characteristics so please feel free to contact us if you would like some advice.
We offer a wide variety of mounting options to accommodate all needs.
As opposed to reverse mounting, acrylic mounting presents the prints bonded to the surface of an acrylic sheet, on top rather than on the back of the sheet. This presentation is ideal for pop up or student exhibitions, however, we would not recommend it for other ways of exhibiting due to the vulnerability of the print to be damaged without any + more
Foamboard is a lightweight mounting material that is used for large hanging signs and displays, or as a smooth and rigid substrate for framing photography or illustration prints. Prints mounted to Foamboard may be attached to the wall using Velcro or small nails. Surprisingly sturdy, and very light. Sizes up to 84’’ x 48’’ in 5mm or 10mm.
Dibond® mounting is a composite display material comprising two sheets of archival quality thin aluminium with a thermoplastic core. It is valued for its lightweight rigidity and clean white coating. Sizes up to 40” x 30” with wooden battens / 120’’ x 80’’ with aluminium sub-frame (Specific finishes on Dibond are supplied in various sizes, please contact our team).
MDF mounting is an effective and economical way of displaying prints, available in 9mm or 12mm thickness. Although heavy, MDF is very rigid and the painted edges create a finished effect for mounted prints that, especially when sealed, will stand up to the toughest environments. Sizes up to 120’’ x 60’’ in 9mm or 12mm thick.
Kapa® is a lightweight mounting material used for large hanging signs and displays or as a smooth and rigid substrate for framing images. We use Kapa® Foamboard, known for its aluminium foil surface, which adds a layer of protection for photographic paper. Sizes up to 120’’ x 60’’ in 5mm or 10mm thick.
Foamex® is a solid PVC mounting material used for simple, non-archival purposes such as exhibition prints requiring a durable substrate for touring shows or public exhibitions. This material is available in both black or white colour. Sizes up to 120’’ x 80’’ in 3mm or 5mm thick.
Acrylic reverse mounting is a contemporary way to present photographic or illustration prints for interiors and exhibitions. The print is bonded to acrylic /Perspex® using a silicon gel and then backed with 2mm Dibond®. Once the acrylic has been bonded to the front of your print the refraction of light through the acrylic gives a high definition effect and deep + more
For card mounting, we use a grey centred board made from alpha cellulose providing very high degrees of protection. Our board passes the Silver Tarnish test making it suitable for mounting precious photographs. With a pH value of 7.5 even after 200 years, this board offers a very high protection for the future. Sizes up to 62’’ x 84’’.
Aluminium mounting is widely popular due to the archival quality of the material. Although considerably heavier and slightly less rigid than Dibond®, Aluminium has the advantage of a clean silver edge which many find attractive. Turn around time: Ten working days from print time. Sizes up to 40’’ x 30’’ with wooden battens / 120’’ x 80’’ with aluminium sub-frame.
We offer an extensive range of picture frame mouldings to suit all types of artwork. From classic matt blacks and whites with clean-cut ‘box’ profiles to a wide range of natural wood mouldings. Our wood mouldings include walnut, ash, oak, maple, and tulip, which is a perfect wood type for creating a stained or painted finish to suit both artwork and décor. The choice of moulding can be discussed with our skilled and experienced advisors. The frame is there to gently enhance the item to be framed, and we have a selection that will suit all styles and mediums.
Classic picture frames are available in a wide variety of mouldings from natural woods which are perfect for warm tone prints, to hand stained or satin finishes for a more contemporary feel. When framing with or without a window mount, the classic frame is perfect for showing off strong photographic prints. To discuss your framing options and sizes please visit + more
Box frames have a fillet which creates a space between the print and the glazing, so there is no contact with the glass. Using Waterwhite float glass, your print is mounted first to Foamboard or a similar substrate before being set into a box moulding with a fillet spacer. The fillet keeps the glass and print separate, so the whole + more
Floating box frames are a stylish take on the box frame, with your print mounted inside the box, rather than fitted edge to edge. Your print is mounted to 2mm aluminium or Dibond® substrate to create a sleek borderless surround for your print. There is a gap between the work and the moulding creating a ‘floating’ effect. Framing options available in + more
Tray frames are perfect for art or photographic prints that have been mounted and do not require glazing. The print is set back slightly below the face of the frame to prevent damage. Tray frames are a good way to display large prints without the cost of specialist glazing. Your print is mounted to Dibond® or aluminium for rigidity and + more
Keyline frames are a similar aesthetic to tray frames, but are more slimline. Works are often reverse acrylic / Perspex® mounted and floated with only a minimal gap between the work and the moulding. Perfect for contemporary artwork. Framing options available in both narrow and wide styles but for specific sizes and options please visit or contact our team.
Photographic Lightboxes have long been a favourite of artists looking to appropriate the dramatic effect of an illuminated image but until recently Lightboxes were restricted in size; light spread and weight by cumbersome florescent tubing that required deep profiles for cooling. At Metro we use custom-made LED light panels for an even spread of light and higher quality finish for + more
Our role in the production of photographic and Fine Art exhibitions has grown enormously over the past ten years, and our Exhibition Services are designed around the needs of artists and photographers who prefer to have a hands-on role in the printing of their work. Described as ‘Premier’ this service features many add-on features that make it attractive to artists, photographers, and archives working on large complex projects requiring detailed production management from concept to final installation.
Daniel is a London based photographer and filmmaker and winner of this year’s British Journal of Photography International Award with Foreigner… Read More…
20.12.2016 Bringing in 2017 with a much-anticipated bang, Metro is thrilled to be supporting the next exhibition in the Red Hot series, opening in London. Following the huge global recognition obtained in 2014 for Red Hot, his first exhibition and book of the same name, British Photographer Thomas Knights has collaborated with British Designer Elliott James Frieze to bring + more