Best Heat/Vac Tissues for new press?

[Kirstie]

A lot of questions follow, so thanks in advance for your replies.

Our new Print Mount Heat/Vac press is on its way. Because we have not had a heat press for many years (only vacuum), I need a refresher on what tissues/boards to use for various applications.

As I understand it, I need one for general poster use, one for more delicate items like photos, one "removeable" one, and what else? I have read Chris Pashke's articles on Flo Bond.

Jeff (partner and husband) is thinking of starting with products from LJ, although we could order from anyone.

If you were starting out with a new press, and wanted to buy a small variety of products to have on hand for various applications, what would you buy and for what purpose? (I have read what I can find on the archives, but it is a bit confusing)

Also, I like the idea of Speed Mount for posters (read the whole I hate Speed Mount thread) and Artcare Restore. Just for ease of use, although this is probably a more expensive route.

Finally, would you have both release boards and release paper on hand?

And if you put a small piece of foamcore in the press with a release board, does the release board get dented? Ihave read posts about using release boards to keep the mounted piece warm until it gets under glass.

I WISH we had taken a WCAF mounting class, but we did not know we were getting a new press at the time.

I would really appreciate any tissue/mount board suggestions from those who have experience with the various brands and types.

Thank you!

 

[Framerguy]

I don't plan to get involved in which tissue is best for which type of mounting but I will tell you what I do with the release portion of your questions. I make my own release boards and I also keep release paper on hand for special uses. I always use single sided release paper so I can mount it to 32x40 and 40x60 matboards which I use for release boards. I also keep some smaller boards on hand for stuff that fits their dimensions.

I have found that the release boards that I build do sometimes imprint smaller items when placed under the bigger boards so that is why I keep some smaller boards on hand. If nothing fits my needs I cut a piece of release paper and use that. I also keep a used piece of release paper or an old release board on the bottom of the vacuum press. I don't usually have any problems with tissue sticking to the cover of the press as I trim everything very close or use an oversized mounting board but it makes me feel better to have something under there.

 

[Bill Henry-]

Like Framerguy, I’m not crazy about the store bought release boards, either, and for the same reasons.

But, I don’t take the time and effort to bond the single sided release paper to a board. I simply use a paper mat (smooth, no texture, on both sides – usually Crescent #33) cut to two inches larger than the platen of the dry mount press.

Once I’ve plunked the item to be mounted in the press, I cover it with the release paper, then place the mat board over the paper so that the board overlaps the edges of the platen. This way you don’t get “seams” especially if you have to do the mounting in sections.

Since the release is not affixed to the board, when the board gets blemishes or dings, (usually on the corners) it’s cheap and easy to replace it without having to toss the release paper with it.

IMHO, single sided release paper holds up better than the double sided stuff. It is heavier and less likely to shows dents and creases than double sided. And, to my mind, there is always a “better” side to the two sided release paper which I end up using exclusively.

Although all of the name changes are confusing, I end up using ColorMount for the majority of my mounting. I also some rolls of Fusion 4000, some sheets of MT-5 for cheap, paper certificates, and a roll of “ArchivalMount”.