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Photography Question 

Ruth Grimm
 

Photo Mounting Adhesive


Hello all! I am entering a few images in a local county fair. I've got the images printed, now I need to mount them. I need mounting adhesive suggestions. Dry? Wet? Spray? Pressure adhesive? Mind,the images will be hanging in a poorly ventilated, hot, muggy room for a week. I worry about them becoming detached from the backer-board. They'll no doubt be moved around a bit as well. Thoughts anyone??
Thank you, in advance!!


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July 19, 2010

 

Lynn R. Powers
  Hi Ruth,

If you are showing the photos edge to edge without a border and not having them matted, dry mounting on 3/16" foamcore is the only professional way to present your work unless you do a gallery wrap or something similar. Let the person that is doing the work know and they will put a wire on the back for hanging on the wall.

For a truly professional look have the photo mounted on the next size foamcore, 8X10=111x14, 11x14=16x20, 12X18=18x24, using plastic corners and have a white matte board around the photo. If finances allow frame it using a black frame.

I have tried the spray and found that it is difficult to get the bubbles out and the corners soon become rat eared.

Pressure adhesive presents the problem of making sure that it is perfectly lined up when starting. If it isn't it is a difficult chore of restarting the process without damaging the photo. Then there is the problems of bubbles once again.

The wet method works well but it is very time consuming (drying time) When using this method a matte is always recommended. But at least you can redo the alingnment easily. :-)

Good Luck


Lynn

PS: Do you realize how much money, time and wasted photos I have gone through to come to these conclusions? :-)


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July 20, 2010

 

Ruth Grimm
  Thank you so much for your suggestion, Lynn! And yes, I _can_ just imagine the loss of precious photo to this process. One of my biggest worries.
Since framing is not allowed and I've done matting over and over again, I decided to try something different. I'm going with the edge to edge without a boarder method.
I think I'm going to go with the pressure adhesive technique. I just pray for a steady hand!
Thanks,again! ~~~Ruth


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July 20, 2010

 

Lynn R. Powers
  Here are a couple clues and hope you have a steady hand.

If you are using the pre adhesive boards insure that they are thick. If too thin they will end up curling. Those from Photographers Edge ARE too thin.

After insuring the beginning is proper allow only 1 1/2" of the photo touching the adhesive and then roll that edge down insuring that it is flat and smooth. Continue by allowing only 2-3" of photo to be rolled at a time. DO NOT try to lay the whole print down at once and roll. Take your time and use some brown paper to cover the print so the roller won't leave marks.

If things don't go well stop and don't get frustrated because it will only make things worse. Then take the rest of your photos and have them mounted on foamcore. It is worth the price and a lot less hassle.


Lynn


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July 20, 2010

 
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