wrinkling bubbling posters

[andj]

I recently mounted two posters on self-adhesive foam-core and they were returned a week later because there were air bubble and wrinkles forming throughout the peice. I burnished out the wrinkles and let them sit under weight for a long time. The wrinkles continue to reapear, as if the surface is not sticky enough in some spots. I have offered to replace the posters, but I was wondering if anyone knows of anything I can try before that. I was wondering if flattening the posters, them laminating them may prevent air pockets from forming? Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Bill Henry-]

Hey, Andj,

Welcome to the Grumble. Sorry your first post had to be a problem.

When you say, “Self Adhesive Foam Board”, do you mean something like Speedmount or a foam board with PMA affixed to it?

If it is PMA, there is probably not a whole lot you can do at this point. I would guess that some of the adhesive came off as you removed the release paper.

If it is something like Speedmount, you may be able to place it back in the heat press and reactivate the adhesive. I would try to dry the art first for a few minutes by letting the platen rest on the surface (not clamping it down tight). After a few minutes, then put it back in the press, but, this time, lock it as you normally do. Another suggestion is not to exceed the recommended time/temperature settings – excessive heat seems to kill the bond.

This is a little risky, but some people have had reasonable luck with puncturing the “bubbles” with a very sharp, small pin, then placing it back into the press. By letting air out of the bubbles, the print should lie (lay?) flatter, and, with luck, won’t fold over and leave you with a crease.

 

[Jerry Ervin]

Welcome to the G!

I have had a few that came in from another shop in town that does not have a press using the 'peel and stick' boards. So far, I have been able to put these in the press with low heat and achieved a better board.

If you used SpeedMount or something like that, reheating will work. You will need to play around with your heat and time settings. The press may not be calibrated to the readings on the dials.

 

[MIK]

I have had reasonable luck with "puncturing the “bubbles” with a very sharp, small pin, then placing it back into the press". I use a straight pin and attack the bubble from the back side. I have also had success in "popping" the bubble from the front and then laminating the poster to cover up the small holes created from the pin pricks.

 

[TessaE]

I just got art care restore and have been having the same problem. I did a few test mounts and found that leaving it in too long at too high of a heat had the bubbling happen.