best way to mount a laminated map to sheet metal

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gadgetgal

CGF, Certified Grumble Framer
Joined
Mar 9, 2005
Posts
135
Loc
St. Paul, MN
A customer has 3 large maps that are already laminated and wants them on metal so she can use magnets to identify landmarks. I'd like advice on the best method to mount them. We will put a piece of fome cor behind the sheet metal, and a strainer frame for structural strength. Dry mount? Cold mount? They are about 36 x 47, 36 x 43 and 31 x 44. They are going in wood frames. We've had success in the past with dry mounting laminated maps to fome cor but I always wonder about the heat on the laminating film. Advice please....
Thanks

Sue Davis, aka Gadgetgal
Master Framers
St. Paul, MN
www.masterframers.com
 
Have you ever worked with sheetmetal before? It is:

A. very flimsy
B. very heavy

One thing you may want to consider is actually mounting the sheetmetal to a board. With no glass in front of it (I'm assuming), the middle of the sheetmetal may want to buckle/fall forward right out of your frame, especially on the largest size you mentioned.

Just a thought.

I had a sheetmetal job once. Over the phone I told them "no" and to go to a sign company. They called again. I still told them "no". They showed up at my shop with it. So I reluctantly agreed to do the job. I definitely regretted it. Was way more trouble than it was worth.
 
Yes you can dry mount laminated pieces to sheet metal. However, you must give the sheet metal a "tooth" to which the adhesive will stick to. You can either sand the metal ( a big pain) or use primer paint. Spray a light coat on the metal, you do not have to have a complete finished look. Then use what ever adhesive you use to mount laminated pieces. If you use "hot" method you can turn down the heat but increase the dwell time. You might want to do a practice run with a small piece of metal and laminated item.
 
Just finished doing one of these. Wipe down the sheet metal with alcohol to remove any film then spray prime a couple light coats until covered well. Lightly sand the primer to give it a tooth.

Wipe down the back of the map with alcohol or glass cleaner. Roll a very thin coat of Frank's Fabric Adhesive onto the primed and sanded sheet metal. Place map on surface and squeegee out any excess glue.

Weight overnight or longer if possible since both surfaces are nonabsorbant it will take a while to dry.
 
I appreciate all the advice. I mounted the largest one before posting the inquiry. It mounted pretty well, but there are a few areas where the laminated surface developed bubbles and along an edge began to seperate. I used1/16" thick metal with fome cor behind it and don't think it is going to "pop" forward. I also added a strainer frame for support. Before I do the other 2 the customer will come in and see the issues with the first map. In hindsite, I should have said no but we have done it in the past with no problems....I think I will suggest she order a new map and we prime the metal and do a wet mount rather than use the heat again....the good news is that I can mount the new map on the back of the metal!
gadgetgal in St. Paul, MN
65 sunny degrees !
 
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