Luminous Landscape Forum

Raw & Post Processing, Printing => Printing: Printers, Papers and Inks => Topic started by: steverap on September 04, 2023, 03:45:21 pm

Title: Dry Mount Press Alternative?
Post by: steverap on September 04, 2023, 03:45:21 pm

I need to mount 8x10 prints on 11x14 board and I do not want to spend $2,500+ on a proper dry mount press. Any reason why one of the hobbyist heat presses (available for under $250 from HTVRONT, Tusy, VEVOR) wouldn't work? 

Title: Re: Dry Mount Press Alternative?
Post by: dgberg on September 05, 2023, 08:20:07 am

You don't need any type of press for those small sizes. Seals print mount Ultra is a cold mount adhesive. Cut a small sheet a little larger than your print and burnish it down to the back of your print. Flip it over and trim the excess off with a razor/utility knife.
The harder part is mounting it to your larger board perfectly square. When you have it lined up pull your liner off the back and burnish it down. No heat press or laminator required, it will never come apart.

The 38"x15' sample roll runs about $75 if you can find it.

Title: Re: Dry Mount Press Alternative?
Post by: steverap on September 05, 2023, 09:26:41 am

This is very helpful, thanks. Do you know where I can find detailed instructions about how to do this type of mounting?

Title: Re: Dry Mount Press Alternative?
Post by: dgberg on September 05, 2023, 11:29:31 am

My workshop. :)

You need a good cutting mat, burnishing roller and utility knife plus a sample roll of Seal Print Mount ultra.
Cut a rough 9x12 piece of Ultra lay your print on the sticky surface and burnish it down. On the backside of course.
Flip your print face down and trim it to the edges. Can take a little practice.
Take your backing board and either make a jig or put really fine pencil points in the centered area where you want it.
Pull an inch off of your backer and line your print up with your marks.
Press that area down first then slowly pull your backer completely off. Burnish your print down and done.
If you lined it up with care it should be on straight.

Title: Re: Dry Mount Press Alternative?
Post by: steverap on September 05, 2023, 11:31:59 am

Thank you so much for this!

Title: Re: Dry Mount Press Alternative?
Post by: schrimsher2017 on September 16, 2023, 02:41:57 pm

You can find some good used ones on Ebay for around $250-300.  I got one including a like-new tacking iron ($100 new) for $250.  They are very simple and easy to test.  Not much to go wrong except the heating element burns out or the foam pad disintegrates unless its been abused,.  Definitely test it before purchase.