Spraying prints

[studiocygnet]

This past weekend I was in Fredericksburg and stopped by a photography gallery there. I saw a few prints that were framed sans glass. Also, the paper was not mounted to a board, but just loose between the frame and the backing board. When I asked the proprietor about them, he said that he had recently gotten into spraying his prints, and thus the no glass framing. Anyone around here have experience with spray preservatives, and recommendations?

[canoflan]

Probably using a similar spray that canvas printers use for gallery wraps. I would try calling a local printer and asking them what they use and if they sell it. I know Simply Canvas uses it.

Pat

[CobyPhoto]

95% (or better) of the Studios that I can think of, spray their photos with sometype of finish to help prevent damage and minimize UV fading.

This isn't something new. All of the better labs do this (at extra cost per print) for their customers. Spraying protective coatings on prints has been around for years. However, even if you spray them, that doesn't protect them as well as framing them behind glass (conservation or museum quality) and sealing the back of the frame properly.

I have a spray booth in my sutdio and we still spray ALL of our prints with MacDonalds Proteca Coat Lustre, Matte Special or High Gloss Lacquer. There are water borne coatings, but I do not think they are as effective. The problem with spraying your prints, is the vapors that are associated with it. You have to have te correct equipment and a method eliminating fumes. DO NOT spray a print in your home, well unless your intent is to get high!

CJ

[studiocygnet]

Thanks Coby. Do you buy those sprays at an art supply store, or over the net, or photo supply places? I'm in the process of installing venting in my garage because I work on my vintage car in there. Maybe the venting will be useful for spraying as well.

[CobyPhoto]

Tom,

I buy directly from the manufacutuer, but I also buy this coating in cases at a time. It can be pretty expensive having to buy this in aersol cans...about $14.00 a can average. It is available from photo supply stores.

Though the ventilation in the garage is necessary, it is only one of the necessities for spraying prints. You need a humidity controled, temperature controled and dust free area to really get optimal results when spraying prints.

Too much humidity and you will get "blushing" in the lacquer, and the print looks like it has a white haze on it. Temperature affects lacquer as well. Cooler temps increase the drying time and there is more likelyhood for dust and imperfections in the finish.

My booth is climate controlled, kept very clean and only used for spraying. The table is an exhaust fans, with filters to capture the overspray and it is drafting away from the photos.

Something to consider...if you have the lab coat them, it is on THEIR dime if they mess it up. If you are doing it, and mess it up, it is on YOUR dime.

Start with prints you can mess up. You are going to have problems. Once you figure it out, then you can spray client work, without fear of screwing it up.

CJ