Using Adhesives Around Artwork

Some plates come without holes pre-punched which facilitates mounting with an adhesive backing.  By default, adhesive backings have a chemical formulation which provides for great general adhesion.  Optimal surfaces for adhesion should be flat with a high surface finish. Rough, curved surfaces are not good candidates for adhesive backings.  Our general adhesive is a 3M350 series which has great overall adhesion to metals, wood, glass and painted surfaces.  

3M™Adhesive Transfer Tape 9485PC Data Sheet Download

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General adhesives however don’t play well with works of art, especially when the plate is mounted under glass. Think of photographs especially or even shadow-boxes. General adhesives will release acidic gas over time which can attack papers, pigments, and photographs.  We do offer a 3M Scotch ATG Gold 908 series acid-free adhesive which is heavily employed by professional framers and conservators.  One thing to remember though is that the adhesive strength of the acid-free tape is not as robust as the general tapes.

Scotch®ATG Adhesive Transfer Tape Acid Free 908 Data Sheet Download

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