Mounting photos on plexiglass/acrylic is an art form in itself. We use face mounting – a labor-intensive method that requires the tools of an experienced professional to do it perfectly. This method is often used in art galleries and museums around the world.
Plexiglass Acrylic Face Mount Print – Interior Design – Dining Room Wall Decor
Affixing photos onto acrylic has become a popular option for businesses and homes alike as an alternative to canvas or framed photos. In this process, known as “face mounting,” the photo print is adhered directly to the front surface of the acrylic, creating a striking visual effect with enhanced depth and vibrancy.
Tools & Supplies For Acrylic Face Mount Prints
The most important thing for mounting photos to acrylic is a controlled environment. Particles in the air in its simplest form, to attach photo paper to acrylic you need a special glue, something to flatten/smooth the print, and a controlled environment. There are a few other items that will help but the most important is a controlled environment to work in.
- Disposable gloves: To protect your hands, acrylic and photos.
- Acrylic sheet: Find a high-quality acrylic sheet of the desired size and thickness.
- Photo print: Most HD photo papers can be used, but make sure it’s professional grade and fits the acrylic sheet size.
- Clear adhesive: Specialized optically clear adhesive film designed for face mounting photos on acrylic.
- Laminator or roller press: A machine capable of applying even pressure and heat to adhere the photo to the acrylic.
- Microfiber cloth or lint-free cloth: To clean the acrylic sheet and the photo print.
- Soft bristle brush: For dusting off any debris or particles on the surface of the acrylic.
- Controlled environment: A space free of dust with control over the air quality in and out of the room.
Step-by-step process Photo Face Mounting
Face mounting photos onto acrylic results in a stunning, modern display with exceptional color clarity and depth. The process can be challenging because you need to size everything perfectly and it requires a controlled environment for flawless acrylic prints. If you have a skilled hand and an adequate workspace, here’s how you mount a photo to acrylic.
- Inspect & clean the acrylic sheet: Inspect the acrylic sheet for any imperfections and wipe both sides of the acrylic sheet gently with a microfiber cloth or a lint-free cloth to remove any dust or fingerprints.
- Prepare the photo print: Ensure your photo print is clean and free from fingerprints or dust. Handle it carefully to avoid smudging.
- Apply the optically clear adhesive: Cut the adhesive film to match the size of your print and the acrylic sheet. Carefully apply it to the front surface of the photo print, making sure to align the edges accurately.
- Position the photo on the acrylic: Place the photo with the adhesive side down onto the front surface of the acrylic sheet. Start from one edge and slowly lay the photo down, avoiding any bubbles or creases.
- Use the laminator or roller press: Place the acrylic sheet with the mounted photo into the laminator or roller press. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the proper temperature and pressure settings. The machine will apply even pressure and heat to bond the photo securely to the acrylic.
- Allow it to cool and dry: After the face mounting process, let the acrylic and photo cool down and dry completely. This ensures a strong and seamless bond.