mounting photos on plexiglass?

Schunn99 · Nov 25, 2008

hey all,

I am thinking about experimenting with mounting photographs onto plexiglass (image side against the plexiglass) for my BFA show. Does anyone have any suggestions on clear glue? As well as how to mount the photo without having air bubbles?

thanks,
Scott Hunnicutt
BFA

boyooso · Nov 26, 2008

That is usually done with a cold laminator, and an optically clear adheshive. It is tricky to say the least! It is a pressure sensitive product and you need a large, expensive peice of equipment and alot of practice.;

There is a vague 'diasec' technique, that uses silicone I believe.

I hope that helps!

Corey

matthewbetcher · Nov 26, 2008

good luck... it sounds a lot easier than it is! it is no doubt a beautiful solution but one that comes with a price. If you find a way to do it sans cold roll laminator ($$$) please let me know, i've been looking for some time to try to figure it out. There's no work pending right now that needs it, but i'm always looking.

I don't know how many places there are out thataway that could do it. But if you decide you have to send it out, Fine Art Solutions in los angeles is THE place!!!!! they've been doing this for years and mount most notable contemporary photographer's work from all over the world. [the last time i was there, they were working on a bunch of absolutely beautiful richard misrach prints.

keep us informed...

... oh, and diasec from what i gathered is a trademarked name for a process that is used more in europe and those that know how to do it, aren't saying jack which kind of makes me think that if one can get their hands on the right materials, it may not be so difficult to do.

Steve Smith · Nov 26, 2008

We have optically clear adhesives at work. They really need to be autoclaved to remove all of the air bubbles.

We use them on very small areas such as display windows on control panels. The chances of getting them blemish free over a large print area are very low.

Our adhesives are not the same as the Diasec process but the problems involved are similar.

Steve.

Neal · Nov 26, 2008

Dear Scott,

May I suggest sandwiching the photos between two sheets? A conventional cold mount adhesive could then be used on the back.

Neal Wydra

analogsnob · Nov 29, 2008

When I ran a color lab we did this. Lots of waste. It takes a knack, fastideous cleanliness, high quality acrylic and luck. The best materials for the prints are the "flex" materials on polyester film base. It would be impossible with fiber base material.

I also don't think its possible without a well adjusted cold laminator.

Coat the print with optimount or similar product first then pull back an inch of liner and position the print but don't allow the print to touch down until you start the press and don't stop once you start or you get lines. ( I said it takes a knack)

Its beautiful when done well but prone to "orange peal" even under the best circumstances.

Good luck

tinyfailures · Nov 29, 2008

Are you talking about prints or film? for prints, many places that that "print" from digital offer this service. Plexi has been a fad for at least 5 years. If you mean film, I'd suggest preserving your original and having it enlarged. Either way, unless you have experience in this, you are probably better suited leaving this to the professionals.

markbarendt · Nov 30, 2008

How about clear or transparent Ilfochrome instead?

http://www.ilford.com/en/products/ilfochrome/back-lit.asp

aj-images · Nov 30, 2008

I mounted on plexi when I worked for Image Craft in Phoenix years ago. This gives it a 3D look. Look them up, they still might do it.

frotog · Dec 1, 2008

Erizan in nyc does face-mounted plexi. So does Duggal. Trying this by yourself without a cold laminator in a really clean, positive pressure environment would be a fool's errand. But on the other hand, once you see the prices you'll really wish you had a gallery to foot the bill. But if you decide to go for it (whether you try it yourself or pony up the $1000's it will cost to have someone do it right) for good results w/out orange peeling make sure to print on glossy paper. Also, print 5% darker as the face mount will make your print appear considerably lighter.

analogsnob · Dec 2, 2008

Most of what we did was Ilfochrome. Front lit (prints) and trans materials. The flex materials refer to print materials such as Kodak Duraflex for making color prints on a plastic base material. The plastic more closely matches the expansion charactoristics of the acrylic and therefor sticks better.

Flush mounting is easier than mounting with clear borders.

boyooso · Dec 7, 2008

markbarendt said:
How about clear or transparent Ilfochrome instead?

http://www.ilford.com/en/products/ilfochrome/back-lit.asp

Yeah,

Good Luck with that! I can count on 1 finger the number of labs in North America that might be able to do that!

Sorry,

Corey

mounting photos on plexiglass?

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