Dry mounting a canvas print provides a smooth, flat, and durable finish, preventing warping or wrinkling over time. This process involves using heat-activated adhesive to bond the print to a rigid substrate.
Understanding Dry Mounting
Dry mounting utilizes a heat-sensitive adhesive film or tissue placed between the canvas print and a mounting board. When heated under pressure, the adhesive melts and creates a strong, permanent bond. This method is preferred for its clean application and bubble-free results.
Essential Tools and Materials
Before starting, gather the necessary supplies to ensure a smooth dry mounting process.
| Material/Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| Canvas Print | The print you intend to mount. Ensure it's fully dry if it was recently printed. |
| Mounting Substrate | A rigid board such as foam board, MDF (medium-density fiberboard), Gatorfoam, or acid-free mounting board. Choose a thickness appropriate for the size of your print and desired rigidity. |
| Dry Mount Adhesive | Heat-activated adhesive film or tissue. Available in various types (e.g., permanent, removable) and thicknesses. Opt for a type suitable for canvas and your substrate. |
| Dry Mount Press | A professional heat press is ideal for consistent heat and pressure. For smaller prints, a household iron can be used with extreme care and specific techniques. |
| Release Paper/Parchment | Non-stick paper to protect your print and the press from adhesive residue. |
| Bray Roller | A rubber roller used to smooth out the print and ensure even contact and a good bond during and after the heating process. Also known as a hand roller. |
| Utility Knife/Ruler | For precise trimming of the print or substrate if needed. |
| Clean Cloth/Gloves | To handle the print and materials without leaving fingerprints or oils. |
Step-by-Step Dry Mounting Process
Follow these steps carefully to achieve a professional-looking dry mount.
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Materials
- Cleanliness is Key: Ensure your workspace, the print, and the mounting board are completely free of dust, debris, and fingerprints. Even a tiny speck can cause a bubble or imperfection. Use a lint-free cloth or a dedicated art cleaning brush.
- Acclimate Materials: Allow your canvas print, mounting board, and adhesive film to acclimate to the room's temperature and humidity for at least 24 hours. This prevents warping due to environmental changes.
- Pre-trimming: If necessary, trim your canvas print and adhesive film to be slightly larger than your mounting board. You'll trim them flush later.
Step 2: Position the Adhesive
- Layering: Lay your mounting substrate down first.
- Place Adhesive: Carefully position the dry mount adhesive film or tissue over the substrate. Ensure it is smooth and wrinkle-free.
- Tacking (Optional but Recommended): For larger prints, you can "tack" the adhesive to the substrate in a few spots using a tacking iron on a low setting. This prevents it from shifting.
Step 3: Align and Bond the Canvas Print
- Position the Canvas: Carefully lay your canvas print over the adhesive layer. Take your time to align it perfectly with the substrate beneath. You want to avoid any overlaps or misalignments at this stage.
- Initial Bond (Pre-Tacking): For a secure initial hold, you can gently fold back a portion of the print and the release paper, allowing the adhesive to be exposed. Smooth down the print onto the adhesive in this section. Then, carefully pull the release paper from underneath while simultaneously lowering the print, smoothing it down with your hands or a soft cloth as you go.
- Use a Bray Roller: Once the print is laid down over the adhesive, use a Bray roller to apply firm, even pressure across the entire surface of the print. This helps to remove any trapped air and ensures a really good bond between the canvas, the adhesive, and the substrate. Roll from the center outwards to push out air bubbles.
- Heat Press Application (Recommended):
- Set Temperature: Consult the dry mount adhesive manufacturer's instructions for the correct temperature and dwell time for your specific adhesive and substrate. Temperatures typically range from 180°F to 220°F (82°C to 104°C).
- Layering in Press: Place a sheet of clean release paper on the platen of the press. Lay your assembled print (substrate, adhesive, print) on top. Cover with another sheet of release paper to protect the print surface.
- Pressing: Close the press, applying the recommended heat and pressure for the specified duration. For larger prints, you may need to press in sections, overlapping each press slightly to ensure full coverage.
- Roller Laminator Alternative: Alternatively, after positioning the print and getting an initial bond with a Bray roller, you can run the assembled piece through a roller laminator at the appropriate heat setting. This provides continuous, even pressure and heat for a strong bond.
Step 4: Cooling and Curing
- Cool Down: After removing the mounted print from the press, lay it flat on a clean, cool surface. Do not disturb it immediately. The adhesive continues to set as it cools.
- Curing Time: The mounted print should be left to cure for 24 hours. This allows the adhesive to fully bond and strengthen, preventing any potential delamination or warping later. Avoid handling or framing the print during this critical curing period.
Step 5: Final Trimming
- Precise Edges: Once fully cooled and cured, use a sharp utility knife and a straight edge or ruler to carefully trim the edges of the mounted canvas print flush with the substrate. This creates a clean, professional finish.
Tips for Success
- Test Small Pieces: If you're new to dry mounting, perform a test run with a small scrap of your canvas and substrate using the adhesive to verify temperature and dwell time settings.
- Dust Control: Maintain a dust-free environment by frequently wiping down surfaces and using compressed air to clear debris from materials before mounting.
- Even Pressure: Consistent, even pressure is as crucial as correct heat for a strong bond. A professional press excels at this.
- Patience: Rushing the process, especially during cooling and curing, can compromise the final result.
By following these detailed steps, you can successfully dry mount your canvas prints, giving them a professional, durable, and lasting presentation.
