From: csink@pluto.njcc.com (Christopher Sink)
Subject: Mounting/Framing FAQ (UPDATE)
Date: Sun, 14 Jan 1996 18:18:30 GMT

So far this is what I have started for the FAQ. Thanks to those who
have helped so far. I could really use the experience and knowledge of
those who have done these things so please send any info (or even just
questions) to me to be included (csink@pluto.njcc.com).

I would love to hear comments and suggestions......


>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
1 MOUNTING
1.1 What is the purpose of mounting a print?

1.2 What tools and supplies will I need to do it myself?

1.3 Where are some good/inexpensive places to purchase the supplies?

1.4 I can't afford a dry mount press, what are some other options?

1.4.1 Can I use a clothes iron?
Yes. Many people have claimed success with this method:
	1. Center the print/mount paper on the mount.
	2. Using very low heat "tack" the print to the mount to keep it
in place.
	3. Place another piece of mount board over the print, turn the iron to
a very hot temp. ("linen" on most irons should do it) and run the iron
over the top mount board for about 5 minutes.

1.4.2 What about self adhesive products?

1.4.3 How about "photo corners"?

1.4.4 Does spray adhesive work well?
Some people seem to really like the spray adhesive as it is less
expensive than some other options. On the down side some have said
that their prints begin to seperate from the mount after a short
period of time (a lot of this depends on climate I believe) and some
think it is too messy to work with. I guess the only real answer here
is to try it yourself and see how it works for you. 3M apparently
makes the best(? or maybe just the most common) product for this. 

1.5 How do I mount the photo to the mount board?

1.6 How do I mount the mat to the mount board/photo?

1.7 What size mount/mat should I use for a particular print size?
Generally you would use a mount/mat size that is one "standard" size
larger than the print itself. For example (sizes in US inches):

           PRINT        MOUNT/MAT
	   5x7          8x10
           8x10         11x14
           8x12         11x14
           11x14        16x20
           16x20        ???????

1.8 How can I cut my own mat?

1.9 What is the difference between a "Mount" and a "Mat"?
This often leads to confusion depending on who you are talking to but
the accepted use is: the "mount" is the board to which the photo is
affixed. The "Mat" is the overlay (i.e. the board with the window cut
out). The reason this is often confused is that the "Mat" and the
"Mount" are usually made out of the same material which is generally
refered to as "Mat Board".

1.10 What color mount/mat board should I use?

1.11 Should the border of the print be visible once matted?


2. FRAMING

2.1 Is it feasable for me to do my own framing? How expensive is it?

2.2 What equipment/supplies would I need? 

3 MISC.

3.1 What does "Archival Quality" mean?

3.2 How long can I expect my print/mount/frame to last?

3.3 Should I sign my mounted prints and if so, where?
Many people like to sign their creations and so they should (assuming
they are worth signing ;). The big "no-no" is signing the print
itself. Never do this! I understand it is the sign of a true amature.
Professional photographers generally sign the mount board just under
the print. Of course, you will need to cut the mat window large enough
to make the signature visible once it is framed.

4. CONTRIBUTORS
Marcus Ranum
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Christopher B. Sink      Princeton, NJ      
 Email: csink@pluto.njcc.com
"If you get confused....listen to the music play."
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