goldenyears Loc: Lake Osewgo

As an experiment I sent off one of my images to Nations Photo Lab to be printed 12" X 12". I didn't know if my images were of sufficient quality for printing that size, so didn't want to pay for mounting or framing something that I wouldn't keep. Since I am very pleased with the result, now I would like to mount the print on a hard surface for hanging on the wall. What DIY methods and products can you recommend?

aphelps Loc: Central Ohio

What material is the hard surface?

Dave327 Loc: Duluth, GA. USA

I have mounted many prints as large as 24 x 24. I used Scotch 3M spray photo mount. Using no frame alignment is critical. I would use a straight edge with the substrate against it and carefully align the print and roll it down using firm pressure with a micro fiber cloth.

Quixdraw Loc: x

Used the same product, 3M Spray mount, on untempered masonite. Set one edge of the phonto, then rolled down and finished with a hard rubber brayer. If you want a nice look, paint the edges of the mount board with a trim paint roller, color of choice, before mounting the print.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Alternately, if the mounting surface is larger than the print, you can glue it down and then cut the substrate to match the print. Prevents worrying with alignment if it’s an option.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

For frameless mounting I use my leftover hard [not vinyl] laminate. The back side is smooth, since one side is sealed by the floor design and the smooth by spray glue and the photo the chances of warping are zero to none.

For larger sizes i would use 1/8 hard board white on one side for a few $ more. The white would seal the back side. Lowes Building Supply near me will cut to size.

I do a [almost] 8x10 so I made a frame the photo is positioned in its frame then the sprayed hardboard is positioned by corner pins, 2 each corner. down it goes and sticks to the photo. I quickly turn the photo over and smooth out any bubbles with a "credit card like" plastic milking to the nearest side.

The edges of the photo are wrapped around and adhered to the back of the hardboard. The mounted photo stands out from the wall with two 3/4" block at the top [inset to not show]with a hang wire between. One block at the bottom area. Remember from geometry 3 points for a surface so when hung on the wall the photo is flat to the perhaps irregular wall.

tcthome Loc: NJ

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

If you don’t want to take any chances, take it to Hobby Lobby (if there’s one near you) and have it dry mounted. Their price for doing so is reasonable.

ORpilot Loc: Prineville, Or

I'm old school. I have a dry mount press for up to 16x20. I have used an iron, as in cloths iron to dry mount prints as large as 24x36. There are basically 2 types of dry mount tissue. High temperature (B&W) and low temperature (color). There is doubble sided sticky tissue that requires no heat, just pressure. I have been tempted to use 3M spray mount but never have used it. But if you don't spray it evenly, then you may have hills and vallys show up. I have seen foam core with a sticky side so no heat is required either. But if you are are only doing one or two photos, it would be more economical to let a local shop do it.

Billy Bob 2 Loc: Marengo IN

Use spray-on glue.

RodeoMan Loc: St Joseph, Missouri

I'd say what ever method you choose, find an image you don't mind losing and practice with it. I have an old booklet on Dry Press Mounting put out by the Seal Company. I went to Ebay to check their prices. Lets just say they aren't cheap. I bet you could find all sorts of interesting offerings about this subject on youtube.