Can a print be unmounted from mat board?

[reggie]

Hi:

Once a print is mounted to mat board with tissue and a hot press, can it be removed without harming the print at all? I seem to recall that there is a procedure to do this, but I can't recall for sure. I need to know to rescue a print that has suffered matboard water damage that is close to, but not yet touching the actual print. I would like to remove the print and re-mount it.

Thanks.

-R

 

[Monophoto]

Based on my experience trying just yesterday, I would have to say no.

That's one of the commonly cited problems with dry mounting.

 

[bill schwab]

Hi:

Once a print is mounted to mat board with tissue and a hot press, can it be removed without harming the print at all?

If the proper tissue was used, it is possible, but if it is a print of any value at all, I wouldn't go near it myself. Take it to a reputable conservationist. Your local museum either will have a department that does this or can direct you to someone who can. Here in Detroit at the Institute of Art we have one of the best conservation and restoration departments in the country. I have had restoration work done on several prints by them for a very reasonable price. It can take awhile, but is well worth the wait.

Good luck,

Bill

 

[Early Riser]

Hi:

Once a print is mounted to mat board with tissue and a hot press, can it be removed without harming the print at all? I seem to recall that there is a procedure to do this, but I can't recall for sure. I need to know to rescue a print that has suffered matboard water damage that is close to, but not yet touching the actual print. I would like to remove the print and re-mount it.

Thanks.

-R

Reggie I've unmounted prints that were dry mounted with removeable tissue, but unless you know for a fact that the tissue is removeable do not try it. Even if it is removeable dry mount tissue it requires a lot of patience and is VERY easy to screw up and ruin the print. I agree with Bill that if the print is valuable take it to a conservationist.

 

[Whiteymorange]

If the problem is not the quality of the mat board but damage to an edge area you might want to consider simply trimming the board quite close to the print and then matting it under glass (with spacers under the new mat to match the thickness of the print and its small backing.) Not elegant but functional and it will not damage the print.

 

[Rob Skeoch]

You might find that putting the print/board in the freezer for an hour and then flexing the board might pop it off.
-Rob

 

[reggie]

If the problem is not the quality of the mat board but damage to an edge area you might want to consider simply trimming the board quite close to the print and then matting it under glass (with spacers under the new mat to match the thickness of the print and its small backing.) Not elegant but functional and it will not damage the print.

Yes, I have some prints where that has been done, not necessarily due to damage but usually to mount the mat/print to a larger mat and over mat.
The water damage to the mat board, if trimmed would come within one or two inches of the pring. I am concerned that even if I trim it that close that there may be some residual rotting to the board that may 'creep' over time.

-R