In another topic, the subject of how to properly mount a fine art print, be it a limited edition print, a serigraph, lithograph, etc., came up.
I have done some time in the dungeon of a framing shop and have a brother currently doing same. He mounts and frames maps and botanical and art prints from the 1800 and early 1900s and we have had long discussions on the topic of "print integrity".
The important thing to know is that the integrity of the print must not be compromised by its mounting or materials to which it is attached. Hence, any mounting technique that permanently affixes the print to a mounting board, such as dry mounting, spray mounting, mounting film, etc.,
will nullify the value of the print.
The print itself must be removable from its mounting board and any vestiges of the mounting materials for it to maintain any value it may have.
You accomplish this by using archival hanging tape such as Filmoplast. These tapes are of paper or cloth, are completely archival, and are removable, yet sturdy enough to hold the print inside the mat structure for a very long time.
So, to mount a print properly, you would take an archival mounting board, such as foamcore, and affix the print to the board with two or three small pieces of the archival tape on the top edge. You cut your mat so it will hang over the surface of the print slightly and further hold it in place.
If you are ever offered a fine art print, inquire as to the method of mounting it to its surface - it may not be such a valuable piece of "fine art" after all.
Hope this helps!
Linear Mode
