Mounting Issue

[T Bird]

Hi all-First time grumbler--I have a oversized 36x44 charcoal drawing that is on brown kraft paper. It has alot of folds and creases. The customer wants it mounted. I was thinking of trying to mount it on foam-core w/fusion 4000 at low heat. The charcoal is not fixed and comes off very easy. Any other ideas I'd love to hear them.
SOS -it's due tommorow

[Cliff Wilson]

Is the customer the artist? If not I'd be wary!!

The press will "flatten" the charcoal and distort the image. Any loose charcoal will be pressed into the paper and become "semi permanent."

Without seeing it the best bet is to hinge and mat with spaces!

If you MUST mount, use something like Artcare Restore. Although it's currently "more aggressive" adhesive probably significantly reduces it's reversability, it does adhere at much lower temperatures and less dwell time.

In any case, artist or not, get a signed release. It may not help, but at least it shows you tried to warn them!

Oh yes, WELCOME to the G!

[Pat Murphey]

...and you will probably ruin a sheet of release paper - add that into the price - unless you can sell the reverse image.:D

[CAframer]

I was thinking of trying to mount it on foam-core w/fusion 4000 at low heat.

In addition to comments already posted, in my experience Fusion 4000 does not melt at "low heat" ... typically I need to run the press at 200+. By way of contrast, Artcare Restore works at around 150.

[Jim Miller]

...36x44 charcoal drawing that is on brown kraft paper. It has alot of folds and creases. The customer wants it mounted...

If you press this paper by any method, the folds and creases will probably develop into very sharp, unsightly, permanent wrinkles. If I were you I would decline the customer's request to permanently mount it. He/she probably does not realize that pressing might ruin it.

I suggest hinging from the top edge only, and hanging the paper like a curtain in the frame. A mat opening could hold the edges down, but you would still need a generous air space under the glazing; perhaps 1/2" would be adequate.

The art paper's folds and creases are part of its character. Instead of trying to change its condition and risking its destruction, take it for what it is. Art, like life, is imperfect. Celebrate its imperfection.

[Dave]

Maybe do a float mat to allow for all the charcoal it's shedding to filter down into a resevoir.

I'll probably be jumped on for saying this, but if it is shedding as bad as you indicated you might consider asking the customer if you could use a fixative which would help immensely to contain the "black dandruff". If you use a quality fixative like Krylon Crystal Clear it may slightly darken the paper but not noticeably. Be sure to use several light even coats. If it were mine I wouldn't hesitate to fix it.

Dave Makielski