How do you mount your large format prints to poster board without getting air bubbles? any tips or tricks you would like to share.
thanks gene
Posted by Jon Aston (Member # 1725) on :
SEAL Image Series hot-roll laminator, good training and plenty of practice...
Posted by TransLab (Member # 470) on :
The key to this is the mounting film used. We prepare our poster boards with E-Z Mount Adhesive, a low-tack, repositionable adhesive which allows us to lift and reposition the prints. It has saved us a ton of grief. Once it goes through a hot laminator, it forms a strong, permanent bond. Make sure the brakes on your laminator are set fairly tight in order to properly tension the laminating films.
Posted by Tony McDonald (Member # 1158) on :
Hello Gene, If your laminator has the capability of mounting that is the best way. I had a Seal hot laminator and it did a really nice job.
Another way (assuming you have your prints laminated with adhesive back laminate) is with a hand roller. I use a roller about 5" wide that came with the speed press and use it for almost everything. Lay your print on your foam board and lift up one end. Peel back the liner leaving about an inch of the print with the adhesive back showing on one end. Lay it down straight and smooth. Then flip the print over and remove the rest of the liner (much like hinging vinyl) hold it up on one end and slowly roll it down to the foam board as it touches. Foam board is a little more forgiving as far as bubbles. After a little practice you can do this pretty easily without the laminator.
Or you can use spray adhesive. Spray both the foam board and the back of the print. Let it set a couple minutes for a permanent bond, and then lay it down the same way. Works ok, but isn't as good as the adhesive back laminate.
Posted by EPatzer (Member # 135) on :
About 80% of our stuff is spray mounted (3m super 77). Using transfer tape, attach the print to the board on one end so you have a hinge. Spray both the print and the board, let stand about 5 minutes. Starting at the hinge end slowly start rolling or placing the print (with a squeegy and a sleeve)down to the board. We have done prints up to 4'x10' this way with great results. A couple of our first attempts failed (bubbling in the print after being mounted) but we found that a hair dryer and some working you can get it to adhere and stay that way! We also found out that 3m Super 77 adhesive bonds permanent if heated to about 110 degrees for those that use a hot roller laminator.
