How do I choose an adhesive
for hinging and mounting artwork?
There
are three types of mounting and hinging
tapes for framers to choose from: gummed,
pressure sensitive, and heat set. Gummed
(or water activated) tapes are the first
choice for most valued art. Conservators
prefer gummed tapes over pressure sensitive
tapes because gummed tapes are easily
removed with water. Gummed adhesives
are strong and stay attached over a wide
range of temperatures and humidity. Pressure
sensitive (self-adhesive) tapes are useful
for quick hinging of art not considered
valuable or when the artwork is sensitive
to water based adhesives. Although safe,
these neutral pH self-stick tapes require
mineral spirits (solvents) for removal.
Pressure sensitive adhesives may slip
if the art is heavy or if the temperature
or humidity are high. Heat activated
tapes are almost never used to hinge
art because of the heat and the difficulty
removing the adhesive residue. However,
their strength and dry adhesion make
them useful in special circumstances. Tips Index
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links out there. For information
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check back often. For links to individual
artists, galleries, or art supply manufacturers, click
here.
Tips
& Techniques
