I have just finished painting two watercolours and I would like to start selling my work, which I have never done before. I need to mount them but have never done it before and I am not sure how to go about it. They are specific sizes so I think I would either need to do it myself or get a professional to mount them for me. Can any one give me any advice on this and point me in the right direction?

Having gone through this quandry myself some time ago, I decided to get the equipment to cut my own mounts....not as simple as it looks but with passable results, I do also get mine cut professionally from a company in Devon. For you I would recommend getting mounts cut by a professional, also try to keep to one or two sizes when you do your pictures, that way you wont have to fuss getting multiple sizes cut until you are more confident in your ability to sell them. Also order in bulk, maybe 5 of each size you do....it does help in the long run. Most picture framers will also cut mounts and you can always haggle to get bulk deals if you keep going back to them. Look in your local art mags, they normally list framers and if not you can always get them from the interweb! Goodluck.

Hi look in the SAA home shop for ready cut mounts and our professional picture mount system, you just need to paint the pictures to thr right size. happy painting John

Can I suggest that you look around your local area and, if possible, join a local art group. You should be able to ask all sorts of questions there, see what others have done and get a sort of 'hands-on' experience. I started from scratch with mounting and framing my pictures and have moved 'up' in various stages by improving the tools I use, finding sources of better materials, seeking bulk discounts and all. Let me tell you that it costs a lot so you need to sell reasonably well to make it pay. Doing your own framing is a lot cheaper than going professional but getting yours done by a pro. is probably best until you see how sales go. Good luck.

I would advise you to purchase ready cut mounts from the SAA as they are very good value and you have a large choice of sizes,colours and surface finishes. I have cutting my own mounts for about 30 years now and it was really exciting and fulfilling to see my watercolours in my home made mounts. the initial outlay can be quite expensive however, if you wish to buy dependable equipment look at the SAA catalogue and you will see what I mean. The advice given to keep your paintings to a regular size is a good one. Best wishes.

Hi Cheryl if you want a company that sell custom cut mounts try The Watercolour Artist.com. I have found that they use top quality mount board (bainbridge)are reasonably priced and will also give you a discount on bulk orders 10-20+.They also have a huge range of colours to pick from.
Here is a link to their mount service page:http://thewatercolourartist.com/picture-mount-service.html

As well as the other replies, it saves time and money to paint to standard frame/mount sizes, although a good professional does give advice on how best to mount and frame your pictures, although that is a more expensive option.