Okay, this is likely off topic a bit, but I'm hoping some of you have direct experience or information with mounting after printing.
I make custom frames for some of my prints. In certain instances, I'd like to display without matting or glass, so the print will be in direct contact with the frame. An example is a 16" high by 72" long panorama mounted to gatorboard... don't want the mat distracting, nor the weight or distraction of glass or plexi.
These are wood frames, often made from exotic hardwoods like curly or bird's eye maple, paduk, walnut. Yes, the wood is fully seasoned and dried to an internal moisture of 18% or less.
I don't want to put the print in the frame in direct contact with unfinished wood as wood is naturally acidic.
Does anyone have experience, or know the right family of finish(s) to use? Choices are wide open with a couple of requirements... non-yellowing, mat or semi-gloss, won't hide the wood, and preferably water based. Application can be brush or spray. I've tried talking to manufacturers, but they don't seem to have direct answers about ph, if it prevents wood transfer to print (barrier level), etc.
Essentially, I want to seal and finish the wood and protect the print where in contact.
Thanks for the help!
I print on archival paper (eg, Ilford Gold Fibre, Epson Luster, etc) using K3 inks. I don't coat the print with anything.