Release paper or not?

norm123 · Feb 9, 2018

Hi
I'm new to mounting, so I'm a bit confused about release paper. Is it ''kraft paper''? Some use release paper and some others not. Can we just put the picture with tissue on the backing, all of these between 2 pieces of mat?

Normand

mike c · Feb 9, 2018

Release paper is used to protect the platen from the melted drymout tissue , I believe it is silicon coated to protect it from the hi heat of the platen. I also use a sheet of matt board next to the platen, and the release paper between the Matt broad and print. The platen must have some protection from the mounting tissue that sometimes sips out from the edge of the print, it is really hard to get this tissue residue off the platten once it's been baked on the platten, making a rough surface that will damage the print. I think parchment paper has wax in it that might melt or stick to the print or platen.

mike c · Feb 9, 2018

IF your mounting press platen already has tissue residue on it using a clean mount broad will protect the print from any bumps that are on the platen.

AgX · Feb 9, 2018

All kind of release papers have a non-stick coating, may it be wax, silicone oil or such, depending on the intended use.

mfagan · Feb 9, 2018

I also use mount board rather than release paper. I learned that mounting process in a John Sexton workshop and it's always worked great for me.

darkroommike · Feb 10, 2018

Kraft paper is fine, but is used like mount board to protect the boards and the print it may not be "archival" but I have never had issues, in my experience moisture moves into the preheated and dried kraft paper from the slightly higher moisture content of the prints and mat boards. Release paper is "sealed" and does not accept moisture but if you are not properly trimming your print and tissue before tacking it to your mount it will protect your platen from "squeeze out ooze", if your platen is bumpy clean it with platen cleaner. I used to share a press with a guy that used the edge of the platen as a tacking iron, THAT was annoying. Release paper comes in sheets, rolls and boards. All are fine.

mike c · Feb 10, 2018

The mounting press we had in High School the platen was covered with mounting tissue residue and scratches from students using it with out the proper protection for the platen, no amount of platen cleaner was going to help, only a matt board placed on top of the print worked.

Release paper or not?

norm123

mike c

mike c

AgX

mfagan

darkroommike

mike c

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency