Labelling exhibited artwork that is for sale

[Box Brownie]

Hi All

I will be using a permanent label on the backboard of the frame but if the buyer decides to re-frame and to ensure the "information stays with the print" I was thinking to also use a copy of the same label on the mounted image inside the frame.  I am mounting and 'closing' the mount with a plain piece of the mount material (same size as the mount) double sided taped to the rear of the mount ~ the mount material itself is of course ph neutral & acid free but two questions arise

(a) I cannot find any ph neutral/acid free double sided tape and yes I am using such proper spec'ed tape to T hinge the prints to the mount and of course the double sided tape will be close to the edges of the mount i.e. as far away from the print as I can get it so does using "normal" double sided tape matter or likely have an impact?

(b) The labels I refer to are Avery style ones I will be printing via my mono laser printer so I surmise they use a modern acrylic adhesive but the size of the label will mean that it is placed, so speak, over the print area of the mount backing (I hope that makes sense?).  Therefore as per the question about doube sided tape what is the likelihood of the adhesive bleeding through the mount material and affecting the print???

TIA for any insight & 'what do you do' in regard to labelling

[DeanChriss]

"Scotch® ATG Adhesive Transfer Tape Acid Free 908 Gold" would be the thing to use. It transfers only the adhesive to whatever it is applied to. It has 2 layers of paper on the roll. One comes off immediately exposing the adhesive, which is on a release layer. After application that release layer is on top, you peel it off, leaving only a stripe of adhesive. There's a very nice applicator that makes application of this tape very easy. Framers often use this to adhere window mats to a backing upon which a print is mounted, or between double mats, to keep them from moving around. FWIW I've opened 25 year old mounts done by others using ATG (that was not available in acid free back then) and haven't seen any sign of bleeding or effects of acid on the mat.

[Box Brownie]

Hi Dean

Many thanks for the much appreciated insight

I will have to see if I can source that tape in the UK but also you feedback in regard to "older adhesive tapes" is interesting because as you say 'back then' adhesives would have been of very different formulations.  Therefore all being well the labels I mention have a good chance of being AOK.

[PeterAit]

I use archival self-adhesive linen tape. It's not double sided, but that's ok - neatly cut and applied it looks perfectly professional. My labels are about 4" wide and 3" high so I put a 4-1/2 " strip of tape along the top and bottom edges. For canvas wraps its on the back of the canvas, for framed, matted prints it's on the back of the back mat.

[Box Brownie]

I use archival self-adhesive linen tape. It's not double sided, but that's ok - neatly cut and applied it looks perfectly professional. My labels are about 4" wide and 3" high so I put a 4-1/2 " strip of tape along the top and bottom edges. For canvas wraps its on the back of the canvas, for framed, matted prints it's on the back of the back mat.

Hi

Do I read that correctly, that your labels are plain paper i.e. not s/a labels and to attach them you use strips of archival s/a tape to secure them to the artwork?  If so that makes good sense especially for the use on the back mat (mount backing) as I outlined above ~ good food for thought

[bill t.]

In The Future, your piece will be worth more if all labeling is done by hand, especially if you become famous.  "Signed in the Hand of the Artist."  Takes no more time than adhering a label, and pencil is considered archival if you remove the initial dust.  Just a passing thought.

[Box Brownie]

In The Future, your piece will be worth more if all labeling is done by hand, especially if you become famous.  "Signed in the Hand of the Artist."  Takes no more time than adhering a label, and pencil is considered archival if you remove the initial dust.  Just a passing thought.

Ah! well there is a thought