Digital BW, The Print

Hi Joe,

 

Framing and matting are (or were) among my least favorite parts of B&W print
making.  So, I've tried to simplify the process.  One of the major benefits
of inkjet printing in this regard has been using matte papers that do not
need to be dry-mounted.  They simply do not show the slight rippling that is
probably inevitable with anything but dry-mounting, and when such rippling
is visible I think it severely distracts from the overall presentation.
When displayed under glass the difference between good matte and glossy
papers is usually not apparent to viewers.

 

In general, I use Light Impressions pre-cut, hinged mats and over-mats.  

 

One of the issues is whether to leave a paper border such that the signature
shows.  It was accepted practice with silver prints, and I still think it
should be, but I have noticed that in the last 2 Ansel Adams displays by
museums they've matted right over the signature -- to the distress of the
purists.

 

I want to leave border.  This raises 2 issues: first, does the paper match
the mat board and, second, how does one simply get the border even around
the image.

 

With respect to matching the mat board, the answer is to use non-brightened
paper (or try the trick I outline at
http://www.paulroark.com/BW-Info/Split-tone.pdf).

 

With respect to getting the image such that the border is even, I now do the
following:  I put a light (old enlarger cold lamp) at the bottom of my deep
darkroom sink.  Over this, at counter level, I place a (scratched) acrylic.
Then I lay the over-mat part of the Light Impressions hinged package face
down on the acrylic.  I can then put the print face down on the over-mat and
see the border clearly through the paper.  This allows me to center it
easily.  I use Light Impressions archival tape to simply tape the top of the
print to the over-mat in 2 spots so that it'll hang relatively freely behind
the over-mat.  It works (with matte paper) and is simple. 

 

Paul

www.PaulRoark.com <http://www.paulroark.com/>  

 

 

  _____  

From: DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of over40_98
Sent: Monday, July 09, 2007 7:54 AM
To: DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Digital BW] Matting and framing

 

What do you guy's(men and women) use to adheare your photos to the mat 
board? Do you only bond the edges of the paper, or do you fully cover 
the back of the print?

I have been only bonding the edges of the print, but then at a later 
date you can see that the paper puckers!

Help please,

Joe C. 

 



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