Black and White Photography

If you are having trouble getting good adhesion, preheat the print and board
by placing them separately in the press for 1–2 minutes, protected from the
heated top of the press by a clean, smooth cover sheet. This should remove
residual moisture from the print and the board, and should allow for better
adhesion. Then follow steps 5–16 above.
Most dry-mounted photographs have a border, but some are flush mounted—
mounted on backing board with no border. The procedure is the same as when
dry mounting with a border, except that you don’t have to be as careful when
positioning the print on the board since the borders will be trimmed off. Simply
attach the dry-mount tissue to the print, as in steps 6 and 7 above, and lay the
print and tissue anywhere on the mat board. Tack the two opposite corners
down, as in steps 11 and 13 (don’t worry about measuring and remeasuring).
Then attach the print and board by placing them in the dry-mount press and
then removing them (steps 14–17). When the board is cool, cut off the borders
of the print with a ruler and utility knife or board trimmer. As in step 8, make
sure you cut the board so the corners of the image are square.
Overmatting
Another common way to display prints is to overmat them—mount them between
two pieces of mat board. The board on top (the overmat, also called window
mat) has an opening to show the print. The board on the bottom provides
support. The print is loosely attached to the supporting board, on all four
corners, usually with mounting corners.
Overmatting improves print presentation, and it also offers good protection.
It is widely used by museums and galleries, because it is considered the best
technique for displaying prints and also for long-term preservation. This is
because the surface of the print sits just below the overmat, shielding it somewhat
from physical damage. Also, if the overmat becomes dirty, you can easily
replace it without damaging the print. Furthermore, because the print is not
attached permanently to either mat board or dry-mount tissue, there is less
chance of contamination from tainted board or tissue.
Because overmatting requires two pieces of mat board, it’s a bit more expensive
than dry mounting. However, it does not require dry-mount tissue or
access to a costly dry-mount press. You’ll need these items Mat board. The mat board for overmatting is the same as the mat board for dry
mounting. You can use most any weight, but typically 4-ply board is used for
the overmat and either 4-ply or 2-ply for the support.
Board or paper trimmer. As described on page xx.
Cotton gloves. As described on page xx.
Kneaded eraser, sandpaper, burnishing tool. As described on page xx.
Mat cutter. A mat cutter makes a beveled (angled) cut in the mat surface. Models
range from simple handheld units that you hold against a ruler to make the cut
to integrated (and more expensive) systems to hold the board and also to guide
the blade.
Pencil. You will need a sharp pencil to mark the back of the overmat board
when measuring the window for cutting.
Mat scribe. A mat scribe is an optional but useful measuring and marking
instrument. On one end it holds a pencil and on the other it attaches to the edge
of the mat board. Once you’ve established the dimensions of the border, you
attach the scribe to an edge of the board. As you glide the scribe along the
board, the pencil marks one side of the window opening.
Ruler and/or T-square. You will need a ruler to mark the dimensions of the window;
a thin metallic ruler with a cork backing works particularly well. When
measuring the window, a T-square will help you make even and square markings
on the back of the overmat.
Mounting corners. When overmatting, the best way to attach your prints to the
supporting board is to use mounting corners. Some people make their own
corners, but it’s easier to buy premade corners. Plastic corners are very easy to
use; they are self-adhesive, so you simply press them down on the supporting
board and slide in the corners of the print. You can buy plastic corners in many
camera, art supply, and stationery stores, as well as from mail-order suppliers.
Linen tape. Safe, nonstaining, and acid-free linen tape is best for hinging the
support mat board to the overmat. Some types are self-adhesive, while others
must first be moistened with water to activate the adhesive. Linen tape is available
from art supply stores and mail-order suppliers.