Club Resources

Mat Cutting and Mounting (powerpoint presentation)

 

Over the last few years we have had several issues with the mounting of prints for the annual Interclub competition and exhibition.
 
Poor mounting techniques

How to avoid damaging other member’s prints – correct taping method

Understandably members have been upset when their prints come back damaged. As prints get handled up to 18 times during the judging/exhibition process, it is necessary for both the exhibition personnel and the print owners to protect prints appropriately. With this in mind it would be an excellent step if comp stewards could promote the following requirements, so that their members become familiar with what is expected for the VAPS exhibition. Some clubs have changed their club rules to comply with VAPS exhibition rules to achieve this.
 
Most clubs already use the A2 art folio/folder. These are available from Office Works at a cost of $60. (recommend: Jasart A2 College Portfolio). The cheaper ones tend to fall apart after a while. Fifteen prints, if mounted appropriately, will comfortably fit into this type of folder.
 
Because of this need to fit the required sized folder, there is a problem with the thickness of the mounted prints. The problem arises when some members use 5mm foam core backing instead of a piece of mat board taped to the back. This makes the finished print thicker than 5mm and the total thickness of 15 prints is then about 90mm which will not fit into one folder. Hence some clubs have sent their prints in a cardboard box or Australia Post bag.
 
5mm foam core backing is banned from 2019. Those members who persist in using foam core backing may use 3mm foam core backing which is readily available. Total thickness of 3mm foam core and 1mm mat board will be a bit over 4mm.
 
To ensure print protection, please promote the following:
 
Prints must be mounted correctly so that the mat board does not separate from the print or from the backing board. If you use double sided tape it must be at least 20mm wide and completely taped around all four sides. 10 mm pieces of tape do not adhere long enough.

Good quality masking tape (not cheap painters’ masking tape) is available from any hardware store. Framing tape is preferable for attaching the print along the whole top edge to the mat board.

Prints must not be wrapped in cellophane as it has to be removed for judging and therefore creates extra handling and work for the volunteers.
 
Prints that have backing thicker than 3mm, or start to fall apart because they are not mounted correctly, will be withdrawn from the judging and the exhibition. In 2019 seven prints were removed but three were replaced by the clubs in time.
 
We ask that clubs change their practices and rules so that members do not have to prepare their prints specially for the VAPS Interclub.