The art of mounting a lithograph is generally performed by professional custom framers. It is done to conserve the artwork and its value and to prepare the artwork for framing. Mounting a lithograph will keep the art flat and hold it in place during the framing process, and it will remove wrinkles or creases prior to framing.
Instructions
1. Switch on the heat press and the tacking iron. The lights on the press will turn on, letting you know the press is now heating up. Depending on the type of artwork you are mounting, you will need to know the desired temperature to heat press the art. Consult the instructions on the packaging for the adhesive paper for the correct temperature, then set the dial appropriately.
2. Cut the foam board so that it is larger than the artwork, then place adhesive paper directly on the foam board (mounting surface). With your tacking iron, tack the adhesive paper at the top corners where it is placed on the foam board. That will prevent the paper from slipping beneath the artwork during the mounting process. Place your artwork, right side up, over the adhesive paper so that the entire surface underneath the artwork is evenly placed with the adhesive paper, which will ensure evenly mounted artwork. With your release paper placed over the artwork, use the tacking iron to gently tack the lower corners of the artwork to the adhesive paper. Keep the release paper over the artwork.
3. Cut a piece of kraft paper so that when it is folded over, it will hold the assembled pieces without anything sticking out at corners or sides. Once your artwork is enfolded in the kraft paper, place the entire piece in the heat press.
4. Close the heat press and apply appropriate time and pressure. Consult the instructions of the adhesive packaging for correct time and pressure. The time involved is called dwell time and it is generally 30 to 45 seconds. Once the time is up, open the press and remove the art from the kraft paper and release paper. Let the artwork cool for a minute or two. Done properly, your artwork will mount flawlessly, with no air pockets.
