Mounting prints without glass
2008-11-08 by steveabrink
I like to mount my prints directly on 1 in. thick black gatorboard with no frame or glass. I've found a local Shop that does a great job at a reasonable price. It works well for high contrast B&W images IMO. Adding 3/4 in. spacers also floats the print off the wall. Also, in Photoshop I add a 1 in. black border to the print edge. I'll usually use Harman fb gloss paper or Epson VFA or other matte papers on my 3800 using ABW. I top it off with with 3 med. coats of Printshield spray. After 2 years I see no issues what so ever. It presents in my opinion a clean contemporary look that I use only at my home. An advantage is you can put large prints in small wall space areas like condos because of no matte or frame. However, I know this method is not archival if I wish to sell these prints mounted this way. I know there is info out there but its somewhat confusing as to what actually works...? I'm also looking for a method thats relatively low hassle to apply because of limited time and space. Perhaps a heavy coat varnish type sealer that provides suitable protection against dust & UV but does not affect the appearance of the print in a major way. The method could be rolled on, maybe even a spray can, or a low cost sprayer. And if a sprayer, any equipment recommendations? Thanks! SteveB