Resolved Dry Mount Alternative

[Ryan]

Can an iron or smaller one-sided heat press be used as an alternative to a standard two-sided heat press? (for someone starting out in framing)

Are there any recommendations for barriers between the heat source and the material being dry mounted?

 

[Bruce Papier]

You can, but I wouldn't. Drymount tissues bond at fairly exact temperatures. You can't set an iron to a fairly exact temperature. Secondly, you won't get an even bond across the entire surface unless all or, at least , a large portion is heated at the same time. If you want to try it anyway, you should put some sort of non-stick release paper over the piece to be mounted.

 

[wpfay]

Presses (mechanical, vacuum, or roller), heated or cold, all rely on uniform pressure over the piece being mounted and the substrate.

Heat mounting, as Bruce pointed out, requires specific temperatures for each different kind of adhesive. It also requires minimum dwell times (time under pressure) depending on the adhesive. Attempting this with a portable heat source would be ill advised.

If you really want to dry mount something, keep your eye out for a used Seal brand clamshell style mechanical press, and, in the meantime, buy Chris Paschke's booklet on dry mounting, probably available from the PPFA bookstore.
Also, stay away from the temptations of spray adhesives.

 

[Ryan]

Thank you!