Dry mounting, through the use of a vacuum or mechanical heat press, attaches and flattens artwork onto a backing board.
The process is primarily aesthetic, removing small wrinkles and creases as well as reducing the continual effects of “cockling.” The process can be either permanent or semi permanent. There are several methods and products that may be used for dry mounting.
Our design consultant will select and explain the method best suited for your artwork. In any case, there are no “wet” materials, such as glue, used in the process. At Art of Framing, we use a vacuum press method. The artwork with backing board and adhesive material is placed into the press. The heat of the press melts the adhesive while the vacuum removes the residual air, creating a bond between the art and the backing board. Any artwork of value, either monetary or sentimental, should not be permanently dry mounted. This would include original, limited editions or collectible art. In some cases, this type of art may be semi-permanently mounted using a product such as Artcare Restore®. Also any artwork that is susceptible to melting should never be dry mounted. This would include wax or pastel-based art, color copies or signed posters and prints. There are alternative, permanent mounting products that may be used in these cases.