How to Mount LuxArchival® Sanded Art Paper
LuxArchival® Sanded Art Paper can be used either mounted or unmounted. Mounting is not required for every project, but a rigid support can be useful when you want additional stability during working, handling, or presentation.
For my own artwork, I prefer archival 100% cotton mounting board and double-sided mounting film.
Is Mounting Necessary?
Not always.
If your finished artwork will be framed with a sturdy rigid backing board, LuxArchival can be used without permanently mounting it first.
If you prefer a permanently supported surface, or if the size of the work would benefit from additional rigidity, mounting is an option.
For my own work, I generally use:
- 4-ply 100% cotton mounting board for sizes up to approximately 16 × 20 inches
- 8-ply or another heavier rigid backing for larger work
As the size increases, a lightweight board is more likely to bow, so larger pieces benefit from a more substantial support.
What You Need
- LuxArchival® Sanded Art Paper
- 100% cotton mounting board or another suitable rigid support
- Double-sided mounting film
- A large brayer
- Clean glassine paper
- A clean, flat work surface
- Clean hands
- Cutting tools for trimming the mounting film if necessary
Before You Begin
The LuxArchival sheet, mounting board, and mounting film should all be cut to the required size before assembly.
If you are mounting a piece cut from a roll, flatten the LuxArchival first and allow it to dry completely before mounting.
See How to Flatten LuxArchival® Sanded Art Paper Cut from a Roll for the flattening procedure.
1. Apply the Mounting Film to the Back of the LuxArchival
Cut the double-sided mounting film to the size of the LuxArchival sheet.
Begin peeling back approximately one inch of the protective release paper from one short edge of the mounting film.
Carefully align that exposed adhesive edge with the corresponding edge on the uncoated back of the LuxArchival.
Attach only that first narrow section.
2. Apply the Film Gradually
Once the starting edge is aligned correctly, slowly pull away more of the protective paper while pressing the mounting film onto the back of the LuxArchival.
Work gradually rather than exposing the entire adhesive surface at once.
Use a large brayer to smooth the film as you proceed and prevent bubbles or wrinkles from becoming trapped between the two surfaces.
3. Protect the Working Surface
When using a brayer over LuxArchival—especially when mounting artwork that already contains applied media—place a clean sheet of glassine over the sanded working surface.
The glassine provides a protective barrier between the brayer and the artwork and helps prevent accidental transfer, smearing, or contamination.
4. Prepare the Mounting Board
Once the mounting film is completely attached to the back of the LuxArchival, turn the assembly over and prepare to attach it to the mounting board.
Again, expose only approximately one inch of adhesive along a short edge.
Carefully align the LuxArchival with the corresponding edge of the mounting board.
Take your time with this first alignment. Once the adhesive makes full contact, repositioning becomes difficult.
5. Attach the LuxArchival to the Board
After the starting edge is correctly positioned, slowly pull the remaining protective release sheet out from between the LuxArchival and the mounting board.
As you remove the liner, progressively smooth the sheet onto the board with the brayer.
Continue until the entire surface is securely mounted.
Use clean glassine over the working surface while applying pressure with the brayer.
Why Apply the Adhesive Gradually?
Double-sided mounting film makes a very clean bond, but a large exposed adhesive surface can be difficult to control.
Exposing only a small section at a time allows you to:
- establish accurate alignment first
- reduce the chance of trapped air
- prevent wrinkles
- maintain control as the two surfaces are joined
Choosing the Backing Thickness
The larger the artwork, the more important rigidity becomes.
For my own work, 4-ply cotton mounting board is generally adequate through approximately 16 × 20 inches. For larger pieces, I prefer a heavier board, such as 8-ply, to reduce bowing.
The final framing method also matters. If a strong rigid backing will already be incorporated into the frame, permanent mounting may be unnecessary.
Keep Everything Clean
As with cutting and flattening LuxArchival, work on clean surfaces and handle all materials with clean hands.
The white sanded surface is manufactured and individually inspected to remain as clean and free of defects and soiling as possible. Protecting that surface during mounting preserves the quality you started with.