Originally posted by Jay H:
...I did use alpha cell and not rags, I feel this is a very reasonable way to "mount" this watercolor.
Yes, a sinkmount with alphacellulose boards is a pretty good way to mount heavy paper. However, you're asking that heavy paper to stand on its bottom edge, so it might develop horizontal wrinkles. It's generally better to hinge the top edge, so it can hang like a curtain behind the mat. That way, gravity works to keep it flat.
But if the art is to travel and be handled, hinge mounts may be too fragile to endure.
For the record, the term "high alphacellulose" describes paper fibers that are purified and lignin-free. Conservation authorities consider alphacellulose boards to be acceptable for all preservation framing, whether they are made of purified wood pulp, cotton linters, jute, linen, other cellulose fibers, or some combination.
It is true that inherently lignin-free fibers (such as cotton) require less processing than, say, wood fibers, but the resulting alphacellulose board is of the same-quality fibers either way.
In other words, alphacellulose is alphacellulose. Many framers have their preferences for cutting, look, and feel, but for the purposes of preservation framing, "rag" and "alphacellulose" boards are the same.
I agree with Ron, as usual. "Mount" refers to any method of holding the art in position within the frame. To assume that "mount" means dry mount is a stretch.
Now, about the shrink wrapping...I agree with everyone else -- it's not the best idea, but it's better than no protection at all.