3M PMA mounting questions

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deaconsbench

deaconsbench

SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
Joined
May 30, 2005
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historic Charleston, SC
On the advise of a respected local framer, I purchased a roll of 3M PMA to mount decorative papers for mat decoration. I have properly mounted (per instructions provided by 3M) a number of sheets of handmade, acid-free, light-safe decorative papers.

The decorative papers are not exactly smooth and perfectly flat as machine rolled paper would be. That being said, there are several small and not-so-small areas which did not 'stick' to the PMA.

Is this to be expected, and will I have to heat press these now? If yes - do I press out a whole sheet, or do I do it in strips, or do I do it once they are on the mat, or what?

There is no backing up now - what is stuck is definitely stuck. Gotta move forward. Thanks all for your help!
 
not so bad, really

It takes a while to get the hang of using PMA - or at least it did me. You have to be REAL deliberate to get the "stick-um" down smoothly and well covered.

Like most things - practice, practice, practice...

But once I got used to it, I use it for a lot of things. I even make myself a 30x30 (or so) wall calendar every year.
 
When using PMA I find it helpful to remove the backing paper by pulling/holding it close to the work surface, as parallel as possible, and separating it with a slow, steady speed toward the end of the sheet. Really helps keep all the adhesive on the back of the piece. The closer you are to a 90 degree angle when separating the backing, the more likely you are to have "holes" in the adhesive that transfers. All this assumes good firm rolling or squeegee-ing.
 
Deac - I'd stick the finished boards into the press and at least see if that solves your problem. Couldn't hurt - sometimes I have to heat press PMA - does that make me an oxymoron?
 
As Jack and Betty suggest, peel the backing paper off sloooowly and keep an eye on the back of your art. If/when you see any gaps in the adhesive, it is most likely still stuck to the backing. So, fold back the backing and re-burnish that area, and try again peeling.

Take your time and work slowly.
 
Framar said:
Deac - I'd stick the finished boards into the press and at least see if that solves your problem. Couldn't hurt - sometimes I have to heat press PMA - does that make me an oxymoron?
Click to expand...

Thanks, Mar. I've done everything the others suggest, and still wound up with these areas. The best description on how I did this was as if it were a large decal - sqeegee'd the bagoobers out of it while slowly rolling it out - minimal space between the roll and paper. I almost think there is something on the paper itself that is adverse to the adhesive. I didn't handle the paper, except for the edges, to avoid transferring skin oils for that very reason.

Again, thanks!
 
We use PMA alot and we put the object to be mounted in the press after turning on the heat for about 30 seconds. This allows the press to be slighly warm and the backing paper comes off cleanly every time.
 
too tacky

I love PMA - started using it 6-7 years ago.

My last 2 rolls were different - it was harder to unroll it. It was very agressive to itself on the roll and WAY TOO agressive on first contact to any artwork. There seemed to be no repostionablity to it. I had to be extra careful on the first step.

Have you noticed this?
 
Deacon- I use PMA a lot, and agree with the release methods others have described. Unfortunately, the adhesive is fragile, and doesn't seem to like papers that aren't smooth.
Specialty Tapes makes a product specifically designed for the job you are doing. It is called Stik-EEze, product # D991. It works the same as PMA, but is more aggressive and predictable. I have had very good luck with all kinds of papers. It comes in widths of 8", 10", 12" or 20" x 60 yards. The 8" is great for using with marbled papers.
Show us pix of some of your projects using these.
:kaffeetrinker_2: Rick
 
Rick Granick said:
Deacon- I use PMA a lot, and agree with the release methods others have described. Unfortunately, the adhesive is fragile, and doesn't seem to like papers that aren't smooth.
Specialty Tapes makes a product specifically designed for the job you are doing. It is called Stik-EEze, product # D991. It works the same as PMA, but is more aggressive and predictable. I have had very good luck with all kinds of papers. It comes in widths of 8", 10", 12" or 20" x 60 yards. The 8" is great for using with marbled papers.
Show us pix of some of your projects using these.
:kaffeetrinker_2: Rick
Click to expand...

Thank you, Rick. I notified Specialty Tape's sales people via email, requesting pricing. Also, I let them know you referred me. By the way, took a look at your website. Very, very nicely done! (...and such a handsome devil! :D)
 
Yeah Rick, nice site!

Is that a Jane Seymore painting (print?) you're showing the lady on the "Additional Services" page?
 
Val said:
Is that a Jane Seymore painting (print?) you're showing the lady on the "Additional Services" page?
Click to expand...

Good eye, Val! Yeah, it's a print of a Jane Seymour painting, actually. That's my Aunt Sylvia playing the delighted customer.
:cool: Rick
 
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