How to use Kool Tack

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gmff

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I just got offered a dry mount press if I go pick it up. I have farmed out the mounting up until now. I have heard that "kool tack" is the way to go. I would mount mostly posters and some photos. I could not find anywhere online instructions on use and was hoping some could guide me. Thanks.
 
I use Kool Tack all the time. First thing you need is a release board. Wipe down the board and both sides of the print with your hand or a dry cloth. Lay the print face up on the Kool Tack and put in your press under the release board. Your press should be set for 165-170°. Leave the item in the press for about 1 minute. Remove the print from the press and trim to size or attach matting and trim to the mat.
 
Be sure the release board is heated in the press prior to mounting. The release board needs to be at the same temp as the press or you will need to increase dwell time in the press by several minutes.
 
If you are using the Permalon Release Board (which I highly recommend) your temp. should not exceed 160F. The beauty of KoolTack is that you can use lower temps. Call Kooltack for advice and they will no doubt convince you. Best I have used.
 
Kooltack, a.k.a. Frame Specialties: 800-777-3165
 
I routinely mount with Kool Tack with Permalon at 150F for 20 secs. Let it cool down under weight. I have never had a bond fail since I started using Kool Tack. You can save some money starting out using a silicone impregnated release board, but you need to increase your heat about 10 degrees or increase your dwell time a bit.

It is reversible with heat, but it takes some practice.

Since this is a used press, you can save yourself some potential grief by getting one of those $20-30 laser reading thermometers and testing the temperature of the head of the press before putting your sandwich in. The temperature gauge on the units are not always accurate.
 
The instructions in my supplier's catalog say to dwell for only 20 seconds. I use release paper, not board.

Isn't one minute overkill?

Cathie
 
MerpsMom said:
The instructions in my supplier's catalog say to dwell for only 20 seconds. I use release paper, not board.

Isn't one minute overkill?
Click to expand...

That depends on your press. If you use a mechanical press and pre-heat the release board/paper, then 15 seconds is usually enough dwell time. But if you put the release board into the press cold, along with the art and substrate, then 20 seconds would be a reasonable minimum.

If you use a vacuum press, add 40 to 50 seconds to the dwell times above, because it usually takes that long to achieve full vacuum.
 
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