Float Mount Panel

The wall gap that makes the print read like a framed object

A Float Mount Panel is a dye sublimation aluminium photo panel made for display where the image should stand off the wall a little, rather than sit flat against it. The rear hanging system is fixed to the back so the front face stays clean, giving a shadow line around the panel that looks deliberate in a lounge, reception, boardroom or gallery wall.

The surface is coated for sublimation, so the ink bonds into the coating under heat and pressure. That gives crisp detail, strong blacks and clean colour movement across the panel. The result is not a paper print behind glass, and it is not a vinyl wrap either. It is a direct image transfer onto a metal panel with a finished edge that feels proper in a professional space, and it holds up well in busy areas.

Finish choices that change the mood of the image

Finish selection matters because the same photo can read very differently on gloss, matte, white or brushed aluminium. Gloss gives deeper contrast and more punch in colour work. Matte cuts reflections and suits portraits, interior work and spaces with strong light. White coated panels give the brightest image reproduction, while brushed aluminium lets some metallic texture show through lighter areas for a more industrial look.

• Gloss for vivid colour, night scenes and high contrast photography
• Matte for controlled light, offices and framed-look interiors
• White for faithful colour and maximum image brightness
• Brushed for a metallic finish with visible metal character in light tones

We check the artwork against the chosen finish because some images need crop changes or a small tonal adjustment before printing. That is especially useful with sky gradients, skin tones and product shots where the final panel needs to look clean from a distance and close up.

Sizes, custom cut work and panel build details

Float Mount Panels can be ordered in standard sizes or cut to a custom dimension for a wall bay, reception feature or series of smaller pieces. We work from the image size and the hanging position, then allow for edge trim and the rear mount so the panel sits correctly once installed. For larger orders, we can keep a repeated format across a set, which helps when you are fitting a corridor or a branded office wall.

• Single panels or matching multi panel sets
• Portrait, landscape and square formats
• Custom sizing for feature walls and narrow spaces
• Crop planning for images that need exact framing
• Test panels where colour matching matters before full production

Panel thickness and hanging method are matched to the size of the piece. A small panel needs different support to a wider one, and we take that into account so the mount stays secure and the panel does not bow over time. On larger works, the back support is important for keeping the face flat and true.

Where a floating mount works best in real spaces

This product suits spaces where the wall finish matters just as much as the image. In homes, it works well above a sideboard, in a passage, or as one main image in a living room. In offices, it is often used for reception walls, meeting rooms and director spaces where the display must look tidy and professional. Galleries and studios use it when they want a hard wearing display with clean edges, and businesses use it for branding or venue images that need to survive regular viewing.

In coastal towns such as Durban or Gqeberha, the aluminium base is useful where humidity can affect other substrates. In Johannesburg and Pretoria, it suits air-conditioned interiors, boardrooms and retail spaces where glare and sunlight need to be considered. If the wall is uneven, tiled, or freshly painted, the installer should check the fixing points first so the panel hangs level and the shadow gap stays even.

Hanging, fitting and the small things that save rework

The panel is supplied ready for hanging with a hidden rear mount, but the wall still needs the right fixings for the surface and weight. Masonry, drywall, partition boards and tiled walls all need different anchors or screws. If the panel is large, two fixing points may be needed to keep it level and prevent twist. For very wide pieces, a second pair of hands on site helps a lot, especially where the wall is above eye level or the panel is being fitted into a busy office after hours.

Before production, it helps to confirm the image file, the final size, the finish and the hanging orientation. If the panel is part of a set, we also check the gap between panels, the edge crop and any text placement. Small errors in crop planning can shift a face, logo or horizon line, so file checks are worth doing properly.

• Confirm the final width and height in millimetres
• Send the image in the best available resolution
• Say whether the wall is plaster, brick, drywall or tile
• State portrait or landscape orientation clearly
• Confirm if the piece is one panel or part of a set

Care, cleaning and what to send with your order

These panels are easy to maintain. A soft microfiber cloth is enough for dust, and a lightly damp cloth can be used for marks, followed by a dry wipe. Do not use rough scouring pads or strong solvents, because they can dull the surface finish. In a shopfront or reception area, a quick wipe now and then keeps fingerprints down, especially on gloss surfaces.

When placing an order, send the file you want printed and make sure you own the image or have rights to use it. We also need the size, finish choice, colour preference if any, and any mounting notes. If you want the panel to match a previous print, include a sample or clear reference so the colour can be compared properly. That helps with repeat work and keeps sets looking consistent.

For clients in Randburg, Johannesburg, Midrand, Sandton, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban and Gqeberha, orders can be arranged through the enquiry form on our contact page, with packing and delivery planned around the destination and the installation date.