Mounting prints - Backing board curling issue
Hi all
I have been mounting my prints for years, using mount and backing board (all acid free) and purchase my materials online (16x12 inch and 10x8 inch). Never had any issues until the last year or two, where when the backing board arrives within an hour of unwrapping they start curling. I have had explanations from the suppliers (eg Cotswold and Frith And Company, both of whom I have used) and know it's to do with the environment etc. I'm sure this never used to be an issue but i've been noticing it more over the last 2 years.
I was wondering if anybody had experienced the same issue and had a wonder fix (i've tried placing heavy books on top and they don't really do anything), or can recommend a different supplier, or even a different type of backing board material to use that won't suffer from environment changes? (greyboard maybe? although I fear it won't look very nice, when these will be on sale in shops).
Many thanks
I have been mounting my prints for years, using mount and backing board (all acid free) and purchase my materials online (16x12 inch and 10x8 inch). Never had any issues until the last year or two, where when the backing board arrives within an hour of unwrapping they start curling. I have had explanations from the suppliers (eg Cotswold and Frith And Company, both of whom I have used) and know it's to do with the environment etc. I'm sure this never used to be an issue but i've been noticing it more over the last 2 years.
I was wondering if anybody had experienced the same issue and had a wonder fix (i've tried placing heavy books on top and they don't really do anything), or can recommend a different supplier, or even a different type of backing board material to use that won't suffer from environment changes? (greyboard maybe? although I fear it won't look very nice, when these will be on sale in shops).
Many thanks
One thing I forgot to say, I am also considering Slip in mounts, where the backing board is already stuck to the mount as these look quite sturdy and being thicker may be less prone to curling. I guess I would need to use Herma Stickers for this.
So if anybody has any experience of using this method I would be keen to hear how these work for you?
Thanks
So if anybody has any experience of using this method I would be keen to hear how these work for you?
Thanks
Quote:Hi all
I have been mounting my prints for years, using mount and backing board (all acid free) and purchase my materials online (16x12 inch and 10x8 inch). Never had any issues until the last year or two, where when the backing board arrives within an hour of unwrapping they start curling.
This part of your comment is theoretically easy to resolve.
Just get your money back (a legal entitlement) - as the goods seem not fit for their intended purpose.
I have not had backing boards that curl more than maybe a tenth of an inch in 20 inches.
Quote: I have had explanations from the suppliers (eg Cotswold and Frith And Company, both of whom I have used) and know it's to do with the environment etc.
If there is nothing extremely unusual with the environment where you live you are being conned out of your legal right to be supplied with a product "fit for purpose"
Quote:I'm sure this never used to be an issue but i've been noticing it more over the last 2 years.
It still is not an issue for me - because the backing boards I use (which are not acid free) do not curl.
I use Cotswold for all my backing boards and window mounts.
I now use a self adhesive backing board to stick my print to, then I cut a window mount to sit on the top to make a sandwich, they do not bend or curl using this method.
When I do print lectures I use to have a problem in the winter as the prints were in my car boot all day and tended to pick up moisture which would then make them curl when in a warmer/dryer environment, the use of a self adhesive backing board prevents this.
It is more expensive but when selling prints you need to be sure that the customer has no warping/buckling issues.
Ian
I now use a self adhesive backing board to stick my print to, then I cut a window mount to sit on the top to make a sandwich, they do not bend or curl using this method.
When I do print lectures I use to have a problem in the winter as the prints were in my car boot all day and tended to pick up moisture which would then make them curl when in a warmer/dryer environment, the use of a self adhesive backing board prevents this.
It is more expensive but when selling prints you need to be sure that the customer has no warping/buckling issues.
Ian
