Last week I wrote about things to consider when choosing between digital files and prints. Over the next couple of weeks I’d like to show some of the options professional labs offer.
Let’s start with mounted prints. Professional labs can mount a print onto different materials, such as matboard, foam board, masonite, and styrene, giving added stability and durability to the print. Each mounting material differs by thickness, strength, and its looks. Choosing the material for a mounted print can be a little overwhelming so here are a few examples to show the differences.
A 5×7 desk print mounted on a single-weight matboard:
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And a 5×7 with a double-weight matboard:
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The two, side by side:
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Larger prints have more mounting options, and this one is my favorite, Masonite. It is the heaviest mounting option and gives the print extra support. It is smooth, high density and dent-resistant.
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Another, more playful, option: mounting on foam board (white or black).
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Prints mounted to thin materials can be framed regularly, or showcased without a frame if the mounting isn’t too heavy.
Mounting is being offered for both desk prints (up to 8×10) and wall prints, and are highly recommended for the latter. My personal preference is a thin matboard mounting for smaller prints and masonite for the larger ones.
Still overwhelmed by the options? Ask me to see samples next time we meet.
Additional product-related posts you may find interesting:
