I've been getting conflicting information regarding plexi facemounting. I have sent two test prints to Finishing Concepts in Los Angeles. One print on Epson Premium Glossy, the other on Exhibition Fiber, and had both facemounted on 1/8" plexi. The Exhibition Fiber print did not turn out well at all (lots of orange peel effect), the glossy paper looked good. The folks at Finishing Concepts told me that anything other than a smooth glossy paper will not yield acceptable results. On the other hand the people at Laumont in NYC told me that they recommend Photo rag matte papers for face mounting. This totally contradicts my test prints and what finishing Concepts has told me. Supposedly, they are both using the same process (diasec/plexi mounts). Does anyone have any info on this? My next call is to Duggal in NYC. I have been printing on Hanemuhle Photo Rag. Laumont says that it is the best media for face mounting, yet many others say glossy media only. Any suggestions?
Optically clear adhesive is a product like Seals Optimount and applied by a roll laminator. Diasec is a complex silicone process and to the best of my knowledge strictly liscensed. Which did you get? Finishing Concept used the word diasec on the web promo but in the next sentence they say optically clear adhesive? I have seen 3 or more mounting studios that market diasec but sell roll laminated adhesive products on plexi.
It might be acceptable to use the term diasec for both processes? Except it's not the same thing.
I am pretty sure Laumont does both a diasec process and also uses optical adhesives. You can usually tell from the price which you are getting. If Finishing Concepts states they are diasec mounting when in fact they are using the Optimount adhesive process instead ,I would want to know.
I have no experience with the true diasec process and if it can be done with papers other then gloss. I would call Laumont as they are the experts here in the USA. (I say USA only because your profile is empty?)
For my own curiosity do you have a price quote from both companies for the exact same size job? That would probably give you your answer. (diasec vs. optimount)
OptiMount Optically Clear Adhesive
PRODUCT OVERVIEW:
OptiMount - is an optically clear, two-sided adhesive for face mounting ink jet, photographic, electrostatic and plain paper prints to clear acrylics, plastic and glass. OptiMount features ultraviolet inhibitors to help protect images from fading. OptiMount creates a permanent bond to both graphic and substrate, and its acid-free adhesive coatings perform flawlessly in vented light box applications.
Diasec
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Diasec is a patented process used for facemounting prints like photographs on acrylic glass. The process was invented by Heinz Sovilla-Brulhart in 1969.
Because of the different light penetration and refraction of acrylic glass compared to normal glass, the colours are more brilliant and the image sharper than compared to standard glass in a picture frame. A Diasec mount is usually of a high gloss finish. Because the print is glued to the acrylic glass, the result is a completely flat mount of the image.
The print is also resistant to ultraviolet (UV) light because of the properties of acrylic glass. There are other processes to achieve similar results, these are in the photographic or art world sometimes also called Diasec prints. Diasec is however a registered trademark.
The whole process is dedicated to mounting the print without air bubbles or smears. The image is face mounted and bonded to the acrylic glass with a silicone sealant. The silicone sealant, which has a consistency of a gel, acts as a glue between the print and the acrylic glass.
Normally the print is placed on a carrier at the backside. This is usually dibond, a composite plate of aluminium and plastic. Aluminium or other materials are also possible. If the print has to be backlit, translucent materials are necessary.
Here is an ad off of an unnamed artists website promoting diasec but using optically clear adhesive.
Benefits of Diasec Mounting
• Archival professional quality print
• Face-mounted with optically clear adhesive
• Backed with Aluminum Composite Panel (AKA Dibond etc.) for rigidity and flatness
• 1-inch thick aluminum frame for that “floating in the air” impression
