Countless mount-board colours are available, but pale and neutral colours are the safest and therefore the most popular. Strong and dark colours generally prove too dominant and distract the eye from the mounted image. Any colour that suits an image can be used but remember that colours are accentuated when adjacent to a contrasting colour.

In many cases it is best to opt for a neutral grey, off-white or black mount if a print is to be exhibited or entered into a photographic competition. Competition judges sometimes have fixed views regarding mount colour, and are unlikely to share a photographer's more daring choices.