How to videos on hinging and mounting art on paper and photographs
How you hinge fine art on paper or photographs depends on the thickness and weight of the paper, the artwork's sensitivity to water, and whether you are using a mat or float presentation.
In these videos you will get an overview of the materials and techniques used by artists and professionals so you can choose the method and materials that work best on your artwork. We share tips on using both readily available archival tapes and mounting corners as well as the time honored museum methods of using Japanese papers and wheat or starch pastes to hinge fine art on paper. Additional videos include using paper mounting corners and edge strips, techniques used by museum conservators and preparators for photographs and artwork that is sensitive to water.
How to videos using archival tapes
Archival tapes have become very popular for hinging fine art on paper and photographs because they are easy to apply. Although they are not to strict conservation standards they are acid-free and non yellowing. They come in pressure sensitive and water activated versions. See archival hinging tapes in ordering section on details of which kind to use on your artwork. These how to videos show how to prepare the mat & backing package with acid-free linen and how to use archival tapes to hinge artwork to the backing board.
How to videos preparing and attaching Japanese paper hinges
The time honored method of attaching art on paper is using Japanese paper hinges and wheat or starch paste. These methods are used by conservators and preparators because they do not they are non-acidic, very strong, and if necessary can be removed without damaging the art.
See our ordering section for museum hinging materials used in these videos.
How to videos on archival mounting of works on paper and photographs
For photographs and artwork that is sensitive to water mounting corners and edge strips are used by conservators and preparators. This method is used when when a mat will cover the edges of the corners or edge strips. One disadvantage is the back of the artwork can't be examined without removing the corners or edge stips.
Preparator's Tip
Many museum conservators make their own paper mounting corners. Making paper mounting corners has many advantages. The paper corners have no adhesive that touches the artwork and they can be made any size you need. Made from archival paper they are safe to use on fine art. The paper is also softer than plastic corners ensuring another level of safety when handling the art. See framing advice for how to make paper mounting corners.