Protecting Photos But No Glass

[MerpsMom]

I'm mounting eleven photos for a Christmas project. These are printed on an HP on slick photo paper and look great. I'll drymount them on 6- or 8-ply, backbevel them, then float on a fabric mat, BB's Rawhide. The frame is an ancient window frame from the house where the couple was married in Iowa. (Read "very old, beaten up", and "no rabbet."

I don't want to use glass. Is there a way to adequately protect the photos? Would Z-Gel work? Is there a product or method I'm not thinking of? (I think that last statement is a given. :rolleyes: With very little time, what can I do? Searched the archives and came up empty.

[Less]

Seal Laminate works great, comes in different textures, and I think it offers U.V. protection.

[jframe]

MM,

I suppose that if you can dry mount them, you could also laminate them before triming. It would give them a little protection.

Don't take my word for it :eek: It's just a suggestion.

[Framerguy]

Cathie,

Wouldn't the Z-Gel smear the inks from the inkjet prints? Most inkjet prints are not water-resistent.

I would maybe try some Krylon clear or matte on a sample. If it gave you the look you are wanting, then get on with things!! ;)

FGII

[MerpsMom]

I would like to laminate but don't have experience or materials. Do you just smack the laminate on them, drymount, and go? smile.gif Tom, my thought as well, and I have an extra photo or two to play with. Will do that tomorrow, and will post results.

I'd really like to laminate but don't have time to power up with the experience.

[Marc Lizer]

I have shot the Krylon, but it can change the art color, and strange shaped "ghosts" can appear at a later date. Of course, much to the shock of the customer.

But don't worry. Another coat will mystically fix it, and the customer will see you having god (of goddess) like powers.

[Susan May]

If you dry-mount them, try using Print Guard.

[fttom]

Cathie, you really don't want to use Z-Gel or the Krylon products on these. They are probably water soluable, and the Z-Gel will wash them right off of the paper. The Krylon products have different effects on different inks, and it depends on which one that was used here. I use both of these products regularly. Marc's right. Sometimes, a second shot will cure the problem. On the other hand, sometimes the first shot will totally wipe out the print. If you've got some to play around with, give it a try, and see what happens. If given my choice, though, I'd try the Krylon UV coating, and see what it does. If it doesn't destroy the print, it will give it a good UV protection.

[MerpsMom]

Thanx for the replies. Anyone ever tried Kinko or some such for this type of thing? Surely they've have requests of a like nature?

[Framerguy]

Cathie,

I printed out a brightly colored print this evening and tried one of these clear laminating sheets that you can buy at Staples or any office supply store. It seemed to work quite well for a protective coating. I don't know what kind of UV protection it would give you or if you want the glossy finish but it went on easily and made a good finished job.

Maybe Susan will have some input on how this lasts or anything else about this process. I don't know if you can buy these sheets in a matte finish either. But, if the photos are no larger than 8 1/2"x11", they may give you the effect you are looking for.

On an HP or an Epson printer the Krylon didn't run or smear the inks for me. If you spray a medium or light coat and follow up with another, I think that you will have good luck.

Framerguy