So here's a bit of a twist on this subject. I've started mounting to 3/4 Gatorboard. Just did a show and found that while my paper prints (Lexjet Metallic) looked great all of my Canvas prints (Hahnemuhle Monet sprayed with EcoPrintshield) has shrunk on the Gatorboard leaving a pretty much even edge gap between the edge of the canvas and the edge of the board. I use a Drytac cold laminator with the Bestmount adhesive. Bestmount is white so now I have a not dis-pleasing white border around the print.
I printed and mounted most of these a couple of months ago.
My question, has anyone had a similar experience? Perhaps I should let my canvases 'age' after coating so that all the the shrinkage has occured?
Bill T. if you see this have you noticed this on your MiracleMuck mounting?
Gary
No haven't seen any creeping shrinkage of the print with glue mounting on Gator. The problem you are experiencing is a well known issue with adhesives, which are flexible enough to allow prints to move around in a sort of slow-motion, glacial manner. For instance, signs that are adhesive mounted to vertical surfaces have a tendency to slide down subtly towards the floor over months and years. When water based glue dries it's very rigid and prevents further shrinkage of the fabric, but with adhesives any media shrinkage can pull the flexible adhesive with it. I found this stuff out the hard way working with museum-like exhibitions long ago.
I suppose allowing a very long drying time on the canvas could be of help. But it should be noted that pressure rollers expand the fabric somewhat during the roll-through, and what you are seeing may simply be the fabric recovering from temporary spreading.
Based on quite a bit of experience I feel very uneasy about using adhesive mounting of any type, for anything other than very short term displays. And not only is water based glue much more manageable and forgiving, it is a heck of a lot cheaper.
PS, I feel I always need to mention this when recommending glue mounting to Gator. Just after applying the print, the art package will curve out towards you for several hours, then flatten out perfectly. This is normal, don't panic, don't try to remove the print, don't try to counter-mount something on the back. All will be fine and with no pulling in from the edges.