Laquer Mat Sprays-Trade Show Tour

[Kirstie]

One of the items that Rob Markoff pointed out on his terrific PMA trade show tour was Laquer-Mat sprays. Like a few other items from our extensive tour, I am now left with a pile of brochures and I'm not sure of the application. I was hurrying along, walking, taking notes, listening, writing down locations, and I'm amazed I didn't bump into anyone! Lisa and I and then Jeff and I went back through the PMA show floor twice to recreate Rob's path. This instructor can cover some ground!

Rob, if you don't mind, when you have some time, what sprays do you use most from this company and for what purpose?

I am also not sure of the application for the click and score black self stick plastic boards.

Thank you!

 

[Rick Granick]

...click and score black self stick plastic boards.

Ooh...those sound interesting. I wanna know too.
Rick

 

[Rob Markoff]

Laquer sprays are extensively used by professional photographers to overcoat photographs, provide protection of the surface, hide defects (crimps/scratches) and change the surface of a photo (i.e. Glossy to Matte or Lustre).

They also make a "pebble" texture spray that is then topcaoted with the finish you want for a more "professional" appearance. (Usually "recommended" by photographers to frame WITHOUT GLASS) but we know better.........

We use the Lustre and Matte spray pretty extensively, especially when there are crimps or other defects on the surface of a photo and want it to look better. Matte spray hides a world of hurt.

Use any top coat with caution and be sure that the "photo" you are spraying had been produced with a compatable technique. Read the manufacturer's literature carefully and when in doubt, call them to discuss.

http://www.lacquer-mat.com/

If you had been at the PPFA/PMA show and taken my tour, you should have come away with (or in Kirstie's case shipped home) a bunch of output all called "photographs" to experiment on without trying out a new technique on a customer's print! The reason the word "photographs" is in quotations is because what we used to know and love isn't the same thing. Can you tell the difference between LED output? Dye Sublimation? Ink Jet? And, know the proper method of handling each type? What if you want to remove some excess ATG that got on the surface? Fingerprints? Can you use a petroleum based product over a waterbased ink? A water based product over a water based ink?

The "score and snap" mounting boards are fun for creating curved/irregular shapes in shadow boxes and other decorative framing products. NOT ARCHIVAL But, imagine mounting a photo and scoring in the shape of the mountains in the background and then snapping the board to have it follow your score line. Or in the shape of a building with risers behind it mounted on top of another photo as a backdrop (cool for vacation pics). I showed it on my tour because it is an unusual product and there isn't anything else like it marketed to framers. (Pres-On Products is the manufacturer). http://www.pres-on.com/

 

[ACFramer]

Kirstie,
I was on the same tour as you, and thought that the score and snap board was quite interesting as well. I've already laid my plan to create a multi layered diorama shadowbox for a wedding invite I did for a previous customer and use it as a display. That stuff was COOL!

After taking Tim Franer's class, I had already been thinking about glass etching, so Rob's little stop off to the Versa Laser Systems booth had me seeing stars (or dollar signs, I can't decide which).

Another really interesting (though brief) stop were the digital photo frames that now have a built in printer on their backsides for 4x5s!!!

I have yet to really post any of my thoughts on the convention, due to insane amounts of work to catch up on. But I hope to do some backtracking and read about everyone's thoughts. All in all, I'll say that the trip was definitely worth it!