How to display digital prints

Dry-mounting 'may' be out because (I've been told) the inks do not completely dry, or retain some volatiles for a considerable time especially in RC papers, which turns to steam in the dry-mount press with disasterous consequences. (I've also read that it will form condensation over time when framed under glass, and the prints should be pressed with plain paper overnight to prevent this)

In my very limited experience, I have used a 3M double-sided tape advertised as being suitable for digital photos, but mainly because I want to be able to recycle the mats & frames for future exhibitions (my 1270 prints are dye-based, and not archival anyway).

For permanent mounting I would consider the use of a linen-based archival tape to make hinge-mounts. My digital prints on RC paper (Ilford Classic Pearl) swelled slightly on the emulsion side when printed, and so they don't lie perfectly flat. I framed them under glass, and this is noticeable only from extreme viewing angles.

You can try using archival paper and tape to make "pockets" for each side, along with archival corners (or make your own from the paper). You can also make sure that you give yourself a wide enough white border (several inches is good). The "pockets" are simply paper folder in half to form a cradle to hold the edges flat. All this along with the overmat should hold it pretty flat and secure.

Rich

Hi Susanne, I've been buying 16X20" poster frames from my local arts & crafts store and they work great. I've been paying retail, around $8 bucks apeice, so you can probably find them a lot cheaper on the Internet. They use clear plexiglass instead of glass, which some say might protect the print a little better than glass because it lets in less light. The prints lie flat, aren't exposed to air, and you can stack 'em so people can peruse them easily. They're protected really well. It's not necessarily a permanent solution for hanging on your wall, but they'll do that too since they have hangers on the back. I use the Epson 2200 and can put a print in one in a minute or so. With regards to drying the ultrachrome prints, I heard that after coming out of the printer, it's a good idea to put a sheet of regular paper over the print which acts as a "wick" of sorts to draw out the volatile chemicals from the ink as it dries, expediting the process a bit. (You can smell these chemicals - try whiffing a fresh print and you'll see) Best wishes . . .

Some extra info please?

Could someone please explain the terms dry-mount/over-mat or hinge-mounting/overmat for me or provide a link to a simple explanation on how to mount prints? I am curious as to best prepare photos for display in my home and know very little about the differences between the different mounting techniques.

Many thanks.

Steve Coburn.

Susanne: I treat my digital prints no differently than any other prints. They get hinge-mounted at two spots on the top, and loosely supported by mylar corners at the bottom. I use all archival materials, including museum-grade mat and backboard. I'd suggest the same for you if you want the best.

I wouldnt get too worried about wavy prints unless you live/sell/display in the wettest and most humid of environments. I dont have any problems with wavy prints.

Susanne,

The only problem I have experienced with hinge and/or corner mounting of Epson prints is with roll papers. These papers want to curl back up with a vengeance. This is more of a problem with wide format prints than with smaller ones. You need to leave a fair amount of border around the prints to give adequate clamping room.

Steve -- I'm sure others can point you towards better resources, but two that I have handy are the Northeast Document Conservation Center and the American Institute of Conservation.

I'm not sure why your wide format prints are more 'curly' than mine unless you're in a humid climate. Since you should be allowing ample time for Epson prints to 'outgas' before framing, this is a perfect time to also flatten the print. See the following link from Epson which addresses the issue of outgassing: http://www.epson.com/cmc_upload/0/000/019/809/Framing%20Tips.pdf

Also, Susanne, since we spoke offline and I think dry mounting might be the way for you to go, I did find this:

"Dry-mounting is O.K. if it doesn't gas the print with plasticisers. Usually the results of this gas will show up within 72 hours as a yellow stain" http://www.inkjetart.com/news/archive/IJN_04-23-02.html

I once thought I knew the location of an Epson document that addressed dry mounting (hot or cold), but I am currently unable to find it.

Good luck.