Question for Readers: Mounting on foam core board?
A few days ago, I mentioned that Springfield Mall in Virginia is actively looking for local photography to hang in the mall during their renovation. One of the requirements is that the photographer must mount their work on black foam core board prior to dropping off the piece. Specifically, the requirements are:
“Mounting: Photographs must be mounted on Black Foam Core Board
“Hanging: Photographer includes Foam Board Metal Hangers, and Mall provides nails to hang them up.”
One of our readers, Gyuri, asked a question that I had been wondering myself over the last day or so:
“Anyone know of a good place to mount photos on foam board? Or this something thats easy enough to diy?”
Based on some searching, it looks like it might be simple enough to find some adhesive foam core board and mount it yourself. You should be able to buy the equipment from an art store. But, considering that many of my readers are more experienced than I am, I thought I’d throw the question out there for everyone…
For mounting photos on foam core board, is it easy to do it yourself? Or would you recommend having a professional do it?
Leave your thoughts in the comments…
March 25th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
I would guess that any frame shop could do this. You might start with Michaels. While the gluing-to-foam part is probably very easy (assuming that you have the right foam), the trimming/squaring might be a bit more difficult.
March 25th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
Go to Michael’s and get a can of spray adhesive mount, go outside, spray the back of the photo in question, and use a very soft cloth to press to board, or have them mount - its pretty inexpensive- I was at a B-day party with the kids at Spingfield a month ago, I would not plan on getting it back, I have never seen a mall in such abandonment and disrepair.
March 25th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
One tricky part would be making sure you place it well. I have some movie posters on foam core board that have “bubbles” where I messed up. Granted, they are large posters and flimsy paper, so it may not be a problem depending on the size and paper type of your print.
March 26th, 2008 at 4:56 am
Thanks for the comments guys!
I’m thinking I’m probably gonna give this a shot myself…
@Ben: Yeah, you’re probably right… I may see what it costs at a frame shop and that may persuade me to have a pro do it.
@Mike: Good point about the mall… I wasn’t impressed with it last time I went there but… it’s a marketing opportunity. I doubt I’ll use my limited editions, though, just in case they disappear.
@Jeremy: Also a good point… From the sound of it, the photos shouldn’t bubble. Unless, of course, I end up printing larger than 8×10.
March 26th, 2008 at 10:52 am
If you’re going to try mounting it yourself, get extra prints made and have extra board handy. It’s a skill that requires both patience and practice. At the first studio I worked at we mounted our own large prints and only a couple of us were able to do it consistently well. Bubbles are a big problem and so is alignment. Use a cloth rag to “press out bubbles” as you slowly press the print onto the board. Start at one end, using sweeping motions with the rag.
March 26th, 2008 at 11:23 am
Excellent advice Damien! I was planning on ordering some extras because I have no doubt that I’ll screw it up at least once or twice. We shall see!
Thanks!
March 28th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
I’ve done it both ways. As mentioned placement is key and the kind of glue is important. Having the tools and a place to lay it out makes the job a lot easier. My preference is to have someone else do it. The Art/Drafting supply stores are probably cheaper or they were last time I checked. Frame shops can be a bit higher.
March 28th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
Thanks for the comment Harold! I think I’m actually going to give this a shot myself… I’ll post some instructions and/or what NOT to do based on how badly I screw it up.
April 6th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
[...] couple weeks ago, I asked all of you how to mount photos on foam core board and whether or not it was something I could do [...]
August 11th, 2008 at 8:53 pm
Hi Shawn, I am looking for advice myself on foam core mounting and came across your question and reader’s advice (from quite a few months ago!) Just wondering how you went with the mounting and what tips you have. What type of adhesive did you use in the end to mount your prints? Any further information would be greatly appreciated.
August 11th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
Hi Trina! I’m not sure if you noticed it or not but I actually blogged about my experience mounting the photos on foam board. You can read that post here.
I hope that helps!
August 11th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
Sorry… I just found your updated section with instructions!! Thanks so much
August 11th, 2008 at 8:57 pm
Thanks Shawn… Reading it now!
August 15th, 2008 at 7:24 am
Ciekawa strona, trafilem tu przypadkowo, ale od dzis bede wpadal czesciej, pozdro
September 18th, 2008 at 11:59 pm
I’m a member of a local camera club that has monthly competitions, and they also require photos to be mounted on foam core. The spray adhesive comes highly recommended, and you can get a wooded roller to press the photo down and roll out the bubbles.