Mat, Mounting Strips and Hinging Tape
Another frequent question - how do you attach the print to the mat? Here’s an example of an 8 x 12 inch print being matted on 16 x 20 inch mat.
The mats (at least the smaller ones) are pre-cut by Stu-art Mats. Archival Museum 4 ply, white.
They do not arrive hinged. I use Lineco Linen Hinging Tape (I splurge on the Self-Adhesive version) to put the two pieces together.
I then use Lineco See-Through Mounting Strips. What I like about this is that the print can easily be removed from the mat. There is a bit of clear plastic that hold the print to the backing. The fact that it is clear - doesn’t really matter (to me). When the window mat is folded over, it is cut so that the plastic is hidden.
The limited editions are signed and numbered, both on the ‘window’ mat and the print.
And framing - that’s left to the customer.
Do you use this method for prints larger than 11×14? I’ve had trouble keeping larger prints flat without some form of adhesive (dry mount, spray, self-adhesive board, etc.)
Comment by Will Tompkins — May 25, 2007 @ 11:23 am
I use the same method for prints up to 16 x 20. I don’t usually mat anything larger than that. I’m using a very thick paper (Silver Rag, Crane Museo). There may be a touch of curl at the larger size, but if properly framed, the print will lie flat.
Comment by Dave Beckerman — May 25, 2007 @ 11:33 am
I have been using the clear photo corners from the same company for smaller prints, i.e. 5 X 7 and 8 C 10. For the larger ones the mounting strips work OK. Also use the tape for hinging the mats.
Comment by Craig Nisnewitz — May 27, 2007 @ 4:55 pm