Non-permanent mounting

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jglass

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I'm showing some photos in a fund-raising show for a local gallery. The 5x7 prints will be mounted on 5x7 matt board.

I'd like to do the mounting non-permanently but securely. Obviously does not have to be archival, but I would want the adhesive/attachment to be removable without damaging the print, yet very secure.

Any suggestions?
 

David A. Goldfarb

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The current conservation standard is that all archival mounting should be reversible, so you have options. I usually hinge mount with linen tape. The tape has a starch adhesive that you wet and press into place. There is self-adhesive linen tape, but this is not widely accepted as archival.

The way this works is you take one piece of tape, maybe an inch long or so and fix it to the edge of the back of the print so the sticky side is facing the same way as the print surface and you've got a tab of tape sticking out about the width of the tape. For a small print, you should only need about 1/4" of tape contacting the back of the print. Then you position the print on the backing board and use another piece of tape maybe two inches long to tape across the tab that's sticking out, forming a "T" shape, to the back of the board. One or two of these "T" hinges is usually sufficient, but you may need more for a large print. Then you mat over the edges of the print, so the hinges won't be seen in the frame.

To remove the tape just dampen the back of the tape, allow the adhesive to soften for a minute or two, and remove it.

Flush mounting on the same size board as the print in a reversible way is trickier. You could use mounting corners, if you don't think that would detract from the presentation.
 

Mahler_one

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Many of us here have struggled with the "best" way to mount a print on one's mounting board. It seems reasonable to conclude that current archival standards would NOT countenance using conventional dry mounting using a sealing iron, and a mounting press. However, one might also opine that for many of us the chances of having an photographic exhibition appearing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art are remote to non-existent. Thus, the question as to the best way of presenting one's images seems to depend upon the ease of whatever process one uses ( in the broad sense, hinges vs. dry mounting ), and a variety of other issues that revolve about personal preference, experience, and cost. In the case you present, I believe David's suggestion to be entirely sound.

Will your prints have an over-mat, and will you be mounting your prints so that the borders are covered, or so the borders are visible? A print mounted on board without an over-mat might not presented in the optimum fashion.



Ed
 
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jglass

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I'm familiar with T mount and no, that will not work here as there is no over-mat, borders are exposed. This is a unique benefit show at this venue: these are small works that sell for $100.00 each, artist anonymous until after sale, and all proceeds benefit the gallery/museum.

Purchasers will be re-mounting if desired after purchase. So mounting should be reversible and secure. Is there double-sided linen adhesive tape?
 

David A. Goldfarb

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You could apply starch paste (Lineco sells archival wheat paste and rice paste) to the non-adhesive side of the tape, but will the buyer or framer know how to get it off safely?
 

DWThomas

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It's not archival, but office supply places carry a double-sided Scotch tape intended for putting posters on walls that is removable. It's about 3/4 inch wide, maybe a single strip across the top edge of the back of the print would be sufficient. There's also a similar tape that is seriously adhesive and not removable, so be sure to get the right one!
 

fdi

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Sounds like you dont need any mounting at all. Just place the image and mat board in a 5x7 clearbag (www.clearbags.com) which will allow people to view and handle them without leaving finger prints on the images.

If I am confused about what you are doing then you can also consider v-hinging with a water activated reversible hinging tape such as Lineco Gummed Linen Hinging Tape.

A v-hinge is a variation of the t-hinge that allows float mounting an image to a backing board. Detail towards the bottom of this page: hinging image to mount board

Cheers,
Mark
 
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jglass

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Thanks for all the suggestions.

Mark: The v hinge is perfect. I already have some Lineco linen tape so that should work!
Thanks. That page on hinging is an excellent source.
 
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