Displaying Pictures w/o frames

[azato]

In an old photography book (The Joy of Photography) they showed a cool way of displaying pictures. They adhered the picture onto a hard backing and hung them on the walls. They described gluing the photos to a hardboard or even wood. I went to the local Hobby Lobby and the teen had never heard of such a thing. I assume that there is an established way of doing this. The only thing I can imagine right now is cutting luon (sp? the thin sheet of plywood used for flooring) and adhering a sheet of acid-free paper to it, followed by adhering the photo on top of the acid-free paper. I plan to use photo prints and not use photos printed from my printer. Any ideas??? Any warnings???

[Jodi Frye]

Hi, they are generally known as ' Mounting Boards '. The most popular form right now is foam core ( nicer than it sounds). So try googling 'foam core photo mounting boards'or just ' photo mounting boards'. Lots of info out there.

[Wendy]

Hi Azato ...

... and welcome to the forum

Sounds like its joining to be a good project... do let us know how you go on


Wendy

[Kathy]

Hi Azato,

Like Jodi suggested , foam core board is one way to mount the photos. I have used the foam core before which is inexpensive ....about $5 Canadian for a 22 inch by 28 inch sheet at the local Walmart and easily cut to size with a sharp utility knife. The only drawback I have found is that it tends to warp if you live in a humid climate as I do.

I would also suggest trying cork board ...... it's light for hanging on the walls and relatively inexpensive. Available where bulletin boards are sold and your local Walmart. I saw a package of four 12 by 12 inch cork boards for about $11.

Another idea is to buy cheap canvas stretched frames if you want some depth or flat canvases are available too and mount the photo on the canvas.

Another adhering method is to use Mod-Podge. Available in matte, satin and glossy finishes. The neat thing about using Mod-Podge is after the initial application to adhere the photo, you can go back and add different textures wherever you like. Wallpaper glue is also an alternative. One tip I heard is to make sure your photo is really wet to avoid bubbles when smoothing out.

Kathy

[azato]

The problem I had with the foam boards is that they have a thick white edge. The article mentioned using a marker to color the edges but that doesn't appear to work very well with the foam core boards.

If I use something like cork (or wood...) do I need to concern myself with acid affecting (or is it effecting?) the photograph?


-Jeff Jones

[Kathy]

Azato,

The edges are definitely a problem with the foam core ..... depending on the density of the board, you often end up with unsightly "pockets" on the edge of your cut. You can purchase coloured adhesive tape or fabric tape(which is paintable) to seal the edges. Some people even use duct tape. If your edge is a clean cut, use an artist brush and paint the edge with acrylic craft paint in the colour of your choice.

I am not sure about the acidity factor when using wood or cork, but I would think that if you seal the wood or cork prior to mounting the picture you should be okay ... or perhaps adhere a piece of acid free paper to use as a mat before mounting the photo.

Another idea is to use Self-Stick Art Needlework Mounting Boards. The self-stick adhesive is acid-free. Available wherever needlework craft supplies are sold. They come in various sizes and can be cut to any size.

Kathy

[Lynn Dryer]

I am familiar with the look becuse I used to give gifts with photos mounted in that manner. I, however was able to buy the mounts with a removable paper that revealed the sticky mounting surface. I ran accross some the other day. If I re-find them I will give you the information. These boards are at least __ years old.

[Wendy]

It sounds like an interesting way to mount photographs ... something quite different.

So if anyone tries it out please let us know


Wendy

[GaryK]

Azato

You could always try the "Plak-it" people. I know a lot of people get it done. I have no idea how much it costs or if it is acid free. In my area almost all copy shops offer the service, but they do send it out to get done.
If you do use it, I would strongly recommend using a copy or duplicate of the original. It is a PERMANENT process and if something happens to your only original in the shipping or coating, well ......

Gary.

[Wendy]

Gary,

What is Plak-it? ...


Wendy