Flattening processes are used primarily to flatten and fix an image to an acid neutral* backing this eradicates the effect of cockling or rippling of the media, due to the expansion and contraction of the image caused by fluctuations of heat and humidity. We utilise 3 main types of flattening process Dry Mounting, Foam core and Perfect Mount.

1. Dry Mounting is a process which utilises heat and pressure from a large vacuum press to flatten an image permanently on to a backing card. This process is used mainly on Watercolours, open edition prints and Indian/Chinese silks.

2. Foam core is an adhesive layered 5mm thick Foam Centre board providing a lightweight non-heat based medium perfect for fixing photographs.

3. Perfect mount is a PH-neutral pressure activated adhesive solid core board. It is used for non-heat safe images that require higher rates of flattening; in particular, creased photographs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Please note we use the term ACID-NEUTRAL, as no form of paper based product can strictly be termed as acid-free. Most are treated to reduce or neutralise the acid (lignin) within the materials.