Hinge mounting art involves securing the artwork to a backing board using strips of tape, allowing it to hang freely within a frame or mat. This method provides crucial support while allowing for expansion and contraction with changes in humidity. Based on the provided reference, a key part of hinge mounting involves applying tape to the back of the artwork and using a mat to center it on the backing. Let's break down the process:
Step-by-step Guide to Hinge Mounting Art
Here's how to hinge mount art effectively, referencing the YouTube video information:
- Prepare Your Materials:
- Artwork
- Backing board
- Archival-quality tape (e.g., linen tape or Japanese paper tape)
- Mat board
- Apply Tape to Artwork:
- Cut pieces of archival tape.
- Apply the tape to the back of the artwork, typically along the top edge.
- It is critical to use archival quality tape for this.
- The hinge should be applied in a way that it allows the artwork to hang freely.
- Position the Artwork
- Carefully position the artwork face up.
- Attach to Backing Board:
- Flip the artwork face up.
- Carefully lower the mat board onto the artwork.
- Center the mat on top of the artwork.
- Allow the tape to connect to the mat board.
Key Considerations for Hinge Mounting
- Archival Materials: Always use acid-free, archival-quality tapes and boards to prevent damage to the artwork. This ensures that your art piece is protected from chemicals that would otherwise cause deterioration.
- Tape Placement: The hinge method, which is usually done on the top edge of the artwork, allows the piece to hang naturally within its frame or mat.
- Mat Alignment: The mat board acts as a visual guide to position the artwork correctly on the backing board, ensuring it is centered and aligned.
- Tape Choice: Different weights and types of paper may require different tapes to ensure they are secure but also not damaging.
Benefits of Hinge Mounting
- Preservation: Provides a safe method to mount art without adhering the entire piece to the backing.
- Flexibility: Allows for natural expansion and contraction of the artwork without buckling or tearing.
- Professional Finish: Creates a polished and museum-quality presentation.
By following these steps, you can effectively hinge mount your art for display or storage while ensuring its protection.
