Laminating without a laminator

[mcbroomf]

Looking for some advice ...

I want to mount an image on non-glare plexi with the back of the print mounted to the plexi (ie NOT face mounted)
It will be float mounted, leaving a 1.5" border all around
Plexi will be 24 x 36 so the print 21 x 33
I don't have a laminator

The print will be on a very fine Japanese parchment like paper and I want to be able to see the texture, so the print may be sprayed with something like Clear Guard or the Hahnemule spray before mounting, but no varnish.

Is this a fools errand trying to get dual sided laminate to adhere to the print, printed on a 36" roll then trimmed, then adhere to the plexi with just a hand held brayer roller?
Any other thoughts on how to accomplish this?

I do have a 16 x 20 Seal drymount press that could do the job in 4 bites.  Not sure if the tissue will adhere to Plexi.

Thanks

Mike

[mearussi]

Looking for some advice ...

I want to mount an image on non-glare plexi with the back of the print mounted to the plexi (ie NOT face mounted)
It will be float mounted, leaving a 1.5" border all around
Plexi will be 24 x 36 so the print 21 x 33
I don't have a laminator

The print will be on a very fine Japanese parchment like paper and I want to be able to see the texture, so the print may be sprayed with something like Clear Guard or the Hahnemule spray before mounting, but no varnish.

Is this a fools errand trying to get dual sided laminate to adhere to the print, printed on a 36" roll then trimmed, then adhere to the plexi with just a hand held brayer roller?
Any other thoughts on how to accomplish this?

I do have a 16 x 20 Seal drymount press that could do the job in 4 bites.  Not sure if the tissue will adhere to Plexi.

Thanks

Mike

I do something similar now. I use this:
https://www.amazon.com/3M-Positionable-Mounting-Adhesive-568/dp/B00023JK8I/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3CYDXI4D42KQC&keywords=3M+Positionable+Mounting+Adhesive%2C&qid=1682176756&s=office-products&sprefix=3m+positionable+mounting+adhesive%2C%2Coffice-products%2C149&sr=1-2

It works well but is tricky to use as it is very sticky, i.e. if you misalign it you've ruined both your print and the acrylic. BTW, the biggest problem I have using plexiglass is the static charge that is created when the plastic cover paper is removed. I use a damp sponge to get rid of it followed by a lint free paper towel.

Perfect alignment is very difficult. For what you're trying to do you'd have to apply it first to the print then peal off a little on one edge, stick that to the acrylic and then carefully (and slowly) peal off the rest of the paper backing of the glue sheet adhering it to the acrylic sheet as you go.

I've never tried using paper as delicate as what you plan on using so good luck and please let me know how it turns out.

[mcbroomf]

Thanks.  Good point about the static.  I'd have been scrambling probably.

I have a piece of 24x36 plexi on the way but I think I'll buy some smaller pieces to test with my cheap proofing paper to see how I do.  I've looked at a few laminator videos and they suggest that uneven rolling will leave a crease so I think using cold laminator adhesive and brayer is not going to work.  I'll give this a try.

[dgberg]

I have two Seal laminators and do all the small stuff by hand. The larger it gets the more difficult it becomes. Rather then ruin that big one why not try one half that size and see how it goes. Seal has a two sided adhesive, Print Mount Ultra but it is a white carrier sheet. You may need clear. The adhesive we have for face mounting is clear and you may be able to use it. Ultra Mount Clear.
I would take a 2 sided sheet and adhere to the back of the print. Brayer it down really well. Flip it over and trim the edges with a razor. Mark your plexi, peel an inch of the other side of the adhesive back and lay it down at your marks. No second chances for repositioning. Now pull that liner from the bottom brayering as you go. If it was aligned properly at the start it should go on straight. It should be a lot easier with a print like you are doing as that print can mask imperfections. Unlike face mounting which is not forgiving at all.

[mcbroomf]

Yes, I think I will get some 12" square pieces of plexi to try, or whatever size I can find locally.  The way you describe is pretty much what the videos show using a roll laminator.  I'd just have to do it by hand with a brayer.

I don't need a clear adhesive, I'm not back lighting the print even though it's going on plexi.  But the Seal adhesives (either kind) are pretty expensive.  I think I'll try the 3M or this stuff; Gudy 831 by Neschen https://treckhall.ca/product/neschen-gudy-831-fineart-smooth/

Thanks

[dgberg]

They are very expensive. They used to sell 15’ sample rolls.

[mcbroomf]

I found a couple of 15' roll options;

https://www.gbc.com/p/laminating/laminating-supplies/mounting-adhesives/optimount-ultra-mounting-film-27-in-x-15-ft-62062a/
https://www.gbc.com/p/laminating/laminating-supplies/mounting-adhesives/print-mount-ultra-high-tack-adhesive-38-in-x-15-ft-60668/

Is it one of these you're using?  One is described as hi tack and is 1.5 mils thick, the other is 2.4 mils.  Either width would work.

[dgberg]

I believe I purchased the hi tac. That is the best price you will probably find and you can do quite a few pieces with that small roll.

[mearussi]

Thanks.  Good point about the static.  I'd have been scrambling probably.

I have a piece of 24x36 plexi on the way but I think I'll buy some smaller pieces to test with my cheap proofing paper to see how I do.  I've looked at a few laminator videos and they suggest that uneven rolling will leave a crease so I think using cold laminator adhesive and brayer is not going to work.  I'll give this a try.

I own a hand cranked laminator and quit using it because it will leave a crease if you stop. You'd have to have someone turn the handle for you continuously to prevent that while you feed in the adhesive roll. 

[mcbroomf]

Yes, that is my fear .. even worse with a hand brayer (I have an 8" roller).  The high tac stuff, like the 3M, Gudy or Seal seems like the best option, with careful smoothing.

[mearussi]

Yes, that is my fear .. even worse with a hand brayer (I have an 8" roller).  The high tac stuff, like the 3M, Gudy or Seal seems like the best option, with careful smoothing.

I use a hand brayer now without any problem. It's the extra pressure from the cold roller that causes the creasing. Your hand can't create enough pressure to leave creases.

[mcbroomf]

That is good to hear ... thanks.  I've ordered some adhesive tissue and will head to Home Depot to get some small plexi sheets.  Test everything before I try the large print.

[MichaelKoerner]

A little off topic, but AFAIK cold laminators should not be used with little pressure only. In this video, correct set up is described.

 

I use a hand brayer now without any problem. It's the extra pressure from the cold roller that causes the creasing. Your hand can't create enough pressure to leave creases.