Mounting Large Photos

[Frankster81]

This is for those of you out there who have had photos (particularly large ones...near 16x20 except with a "full frame" image) mounted on various mounting boards. I plan on having a local lab here enlarge a 35mm slide of mine and then add a plastic coating to the surface. I've thought about gatorboard and similar surfaces, but I really need something durable (that won't snap like styrofoam) without emptying my wallet. The lab will be doing the mounting. I'm being particular about this because it's going to cost me nearly $100 for the whole kit and kaboodle. /ibb/skins/default/emoticons/confused.gif

[davebcamera]

Hi Frank,<BR>
Be sure that the coating they are going to seal the image with can survive the heat of a dry mount press. Also, what do you have against Gatorboard? Is this going to be a Cibachrome? The type of print will dictate the type of mounting.<BR>
<BR>
I personally prefer custom mounting with a custom Archival cut window mat, and not dry mounting on a board. (Then framing under glass). <BR>
<BR>
<BR>
quote:Originally posted by Frank:<BR>
<b>This is for those of you out there who have had photos (particularly large ones...near 16x20 except with a "full frame" image) mounted on various mounting boards. I plan on having a local lab here enlarge a 35mm slide of mine and then add a plastic coating to the surface. I've thought about gatorboard and similar surfaces, but I really need something durable (that won't snap like styrofoam) without emptying my wallet. The lab will be doing the mounting. I'm being particular about this because it's going to cost me nearly $100 for the whole kit and kaboodle. /ibb/skins/default/emoticons/confused.gif </b>

[anton]

If you are going to be that particular, then you should insist on linen tape hinges incorporating acid free, archival adhesive to attach the print to an archival foamcore backing 1/4 to 3/8 inch thick. Instead of linen tape hinges, you could also ask for acid free paper photo corners. The matting should be, as davebcamera suggests, archival, and <b>do not</b> adhere anything to the face of the print (or the back, for that matter), no matter how archival the adhesive. To protect the image from the elements, frame it under glass in a hardwood or non-reactive metal frame and have the back sealed with acid free paper and tape or glue.

[Frankster81]

Hi Dave,<BR>
Thanks for your reply. I have nothing againest gatorboard; I just phrased the question poorly. /ibb/skins/default/emoticons/smile.gif