What Is a Mounted Print? Complete Guide About Mounted Prints

In the world of art and photography, displaying your work in the best possible way is crucial to making a lasting impression. One popular and visually striking method is using mounted prints. In this guide, we will discuss what is a Mounted Print, types of mounting materials, printing techniques, benefits, and many more.

Mounted Print

A mounted print refers to a technique where a photograph or artwork is securely attached to a rigid backing material, creating a sturdy and professional-looking display. This process involves adhering the image to a backing material, which provides stability, protection, and visual enhancement. Mounted prints are commonly used in both residential and commercial settings to showcase art, photographs, posters, and graphics.

Types of Mounted Prints

Canvas Mounted Prints: Canvas mounted prints involve stretching a printed canvas over a wooden frame or attaching it to a rigid backing board. This technique adds texture and depth to the artwork, mimicking the appearance of a traditional painted canvas. The canvas material lends a classic and artistic feel to the print, enhancing its visual impact.

Acrylic Mounted Prints: Acrylic mounted prints feature a high-quality photographic print that is face-mounted onto a clear acrylic sheet. The result is a vibrant and glossy display with exceptional clarity and depth. The acrylic sheet enhances the color saturation and contrast of the image, giving it a contemporary and luxurious look.

Foam Board Mounted Prints: Foam board mounted prints involve mounting the printed image onto a lightweight foam board. This option is popular for its affordability and versatility. The foam board provides a stable and flat surface, making it suitable for various display settings. Foam board mounted prints are lightweight and easy to handle, making them a convenient choice for exhibitions, trade shows, or temporary displays.

Dibond Mounted Prints: Dibond mounted prints consist of a printed image that is mounted onto a rigid composite material called Dibond. Dibond is a sandwich panel composed of two aluminum sheets with a solid polyethylene core. This combination results in a durable, lightweight, and weather-resistant print. Dibond-mounted prints offer a sleek and contemporary appearance, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor displays.

How to Create Mounted Prints

Creating a mounted print involves a step-by-step process to ensure a high-quality and professional result.

1. Image Selection: Choose the image or artwork you want to display as a mounted print. Ensure that the image resolution is suitable for the desired print size to maintain sharpness and clarity. Select images with a resolution of at least 300 dots per inch ( DPI ).

2. Printing: Select a reputable printing service or professional printer that specializes in mounted prints. Provide them with the digital file of your image and specify the desired print size. Discuss any specific requirements or preferences you have for print quality and color accuracy.

3. Choosing the Mounting Material: To create a mounted print, you will need a few materials and tools. These include the printed image, backing material (such as foam board or acrylic), adhesive, a cutting tool, a ruler, and a clean work surface.

4. Preparing the Print: Once the image is printed, it needs to be prepared for mounting. This may involve trimming the print to the desired size, ensuring that it fits perfectly on the chosen mounting material, applying a suitable adhesive to the mounting material, and following the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

5. Mounting the Print: Carefully place the printed image onto the adhesive-coated mounting material. Start from one edge and gently press down, smoothing out any wrinkles or air bubbles as you go. Take your time to ensure the print is aligned correctly and evenly adhered to the material.

6. Trimming and Finishing: Once the print is securely mounted, trim any excess material around the edges for a clean and professional finish. Use a sharp cutting tool and ensure precision to achieve the desired size and shape.

7. Optional: Adding Protective Coating: Depending on the mounting material and desired effect, you may choose to add a protective coating to the print. This can be a matte or glossy finish that not only enhances the visual appeal but also provides additional protection against UV rays, moisture, and scratches.

Caring for Mounted Prints

Cleaning and Dusting: Regularly dust your mounted prints using a soft, lint-free cloth or a microfiber cloth. Gently wipe the surface to remove any dust from prints. Don’t use any abrasive materials or harsh chemicals for cleaning purposes.

Avoiding Direct Sunlight: Protect your mounted prints from direct sunlight or intense artificial light sources. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause fading and discoloration over time.

Proper Handling and Storage: When handling your mounted prints, make sure your hands are clean and dry to avoid transferring oils or dirt onto the surface. Hold the print from the sides or wear clean, white cotton gloves to prevent smudges or fingerprints.

Avoiding Moisture and Humidity: Moisture and high humidity can cause warping, mold growth, or damage to the print and the mounting material. If you live in a humid climate, consider using dehumidifiers or moisture-absorbing packets in the display area to maintain optimal conditions.

Framing or Displaying with Care: If you choose to frame your mounted print, ensure that the frame is of good quality and properly sealed to prevent dust or moisture from entering. Use acid-free matting or archival materials to create a barrier between the print and the frame, reducing the risk of damage.

Inspection: Regularly inspect your mounted prints for any signs of damage, such as peeling edges, warping, or discoloration. If you notice any significant damage consult a professional art restorer or conservator for expert advice and assistance.

Printing Techniques for Mounted Prints

When it comes to creating mounted prints, choosing the right printing technique is essential for achieving the desired quality, color accuracy, and longevity of the final product. Some of the common printing techniques used for creating mounted prints are:

• Digital Printing
• Fine Art Printing
• Dye Sublimation Printing
• UV Printing
• Giclee Printing

You may be interested to read What is Vinyl Printing?

FAQs: What Is a Mounted Print

Can I create a mounted print using any type of image?

Yes, you can create a mounted print using various types of images.However t’s important to ensure the image has sufficient resolution and quality for enlargement.

How long does it take for the adhesive to dry?

The drying time for adhesive can vary depending on the type of adhesive used. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific adhesive you are using, as they will provide the recommended drying time.

What’s the difference between canvas prints and canvas mounted prints?

Canvas prints are images printed directly onto canvas material and stretched around a wooden frame. Canvas mounted prints, on the other hand, are canvas prints that are mounted onto a rigid backing material for added stability.

Conclusion: What Is a Mounted Print

Creating a mounted print is a rewarding process that allows you to showcase your favorite images or artwork in a professional and visually appealing way. By following the step-by-step instructions outlined in this blog, you can produce stunning mounted prints that will enhance the beauty of any space.