Mounting a print to a rigid board turns it into a finished piece that can be hung without a frame, displayed on an easel or used as point-of-sale signage. Done well, the print sits perfectly flat with no bubbles, ripples or lifting corners. Done badly, every flaw shows the moment light hits the surface.
Choosing materials
The right board depends on where the print is going. Lightweight foam boards suit short-term indoor display. Rigid composite and aluminium-faced panels are heavier but more durable, and some are suitable for exterior use. Our page on rigid boards covers the main types.
For adhesive, the common options are a pressure-sensitive mounting film or a self-adhesive print media. Check that the adhesive is compatible with both the board and the print media, and with any coating you intend to use. Some boards and adhesives are not suitable for outdoor conditions or for very heavy prints.
Coat before or after?
Both approaches are used. Coating before mounting means the print is flat and easy to handle on the coating table, and the mounting process is not disturbing a wet surface. Coating after mounting seals the face once the piece is complete and can be easier with a spray or aerosol. Whichever you choose, the coating must be fully cured before the print is put under the pressure of a laminator roller or stacked. Check with a test piece that the coating, adhesive and board work together.
Mounting step by step
- Make sure the print is fully dry and, if coated, fully cured.
- Cut the board slightly larger than the finished size so you can trim to a clean edge afterwards.
- Remove any protective film from the board and clean the surface to remove dust and static.
- If using a mounting film, apply it to the board or print first, following the film manufacturer’s instructions.
- Align the print along one edge and tack a short strip down.
- Using a flatbed laminator or a roller laminator, apply pressure progressively from the tacked edge, peeling the liner away as you go.
- Check the surface under raking light for bubbles or ripples.
- Trim the edges with a sharp blade and a straight edge, or on a suitable cutter.
Doing it by hand
Small prints can be mounted by hand with a squeegee, working from the centre of the tacked edge outwards in overlapping strokes. It takes practice to avoid trapping air on larger pieces. A flatbed laminator such as the Kala Applikator, which Landor supplies, gives even pressure across the whole sheet and makes larger mounts much more consistent. Details are on our equipment page.
Edges and handling
Exposed edges are the most vulnerable part of a mounted print. Handle finished pieces by the edges with clean gloves, store them upright or flat with protection between faces, and avoid sliding one piece across another.
For help choosing boards, adhesives or equipment for mounting, call Landor on 01252 624 411 or drop us a note on the contact page.