Foam Core, Mount and Lamination

Foam core is used as a backing for artwork when we put a frame together and is available in different widths and styles.

Humidity and poor storage can cause many types of paper to warp and ripple. Depending on the nature of the item, we may recommend different ways of mounting.

Hinging is used for the highest level of preservation. We use a variety of archival-grade tapes and adhesives, catered for each individual piece. If the piece is an antique or highly valuable print or works of art, an heirloom, or something you wish to resell, we would advise against mounting, as it can devalue the work. In these instances, we would recommend to use acid-free foam core as a backing and use archival hinging methods.

Most paper is subject to humidity and temperature; it contracts and expands on the weather and climate. Mounting, or adhering, your artwork will remedy that. We recommend this for open-run prints, posters and other reproductions.

We use two types of heat-activated mounting: Speedmount, which is reversible, and tissue-mounting, which is permanent. We also use cold-mounting Spray Mount on items which may be heat-sensitive. For items needing a heavy-duty rigid mounting and laminating such as large maps, we use Gatorboard, a dense board that has minimal bowing and warping. Our knowledgeable staff can assist you on this decision.

Lamination is usually recommended for posters and photos with no monetary or sentimental value to hang without a frame or frame without glass. The lamination we use is UV-resistant and is available in matte and lustre. Using lamination is permanent, and we would not recommend laminating original artwork and signed & numbered prints.

If you decide to mount and laminate without a visible frame, a support frame is recommended. This is a simple wood frame adhered to the back of the artwork, granting stablity and preventing twisting and bowing of the foamcore.