How to Spray Mount a Photograph

Some people leave prized photographs stashed away in boxes simply because they don't want to pay a professional to get it ready for framing. Luckily, with a few supplies and a little math, you can get photographs frame-ready by yourself. If you want to spray mount a photograph, just follow these instructions.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Ruler
• Matboard (11x14, 8x10, 5x7, etc.) that will fit easily into a photo frame
• Photograph
• Strong spray adhesive such as Super 77
• Dust mask (optional)
• Pencil

1. Decide whether the matboard will be horizontal or vertical for the sake of measurement.

2. Trim the white edges off of the photograph using a straight edge and an exacto knife.

3. Measure the height and width of the photograph. Write the measurements down on a piece of scratch paper.

4. Subtract the height of the photo from the height of the matboard and write the total down on the scratch paper. Do the same for the width. Divide each total by .5. This will be the measurements for where to adhere the photograph.

5. Using the ruler, locate the height and width measurements for the photograph. Lightly mark these measurements on the matboard using the pencil.

6. Hold the dry photograph up to these measurements on the matboard. If you like the placement, make light pencil marks at the corners of the photograph so you will remember where it was placed.

7. Coat the backside of the photograph evenly with spray adhesive. This should be done outside or in a well-ventilated area. It is a very good idea to wear a dust mask, or keep your nose and mouth covered. Be sure to put down some kind of paper or protective cloth on the surface where you will be spraying photographs, as spray adhesive can be very hard to clean.

8. Lift up the photograph carefully by the edges. Place the photo on the marked area of the matboard. Use a soft cloth to run over the picture so it will hold in place. Using the fingers may cause smudges and can leave residue if spray adhesive gets onto the hands.

9. Allow the photograph to dry thoroughly before framing.

Tips & Warnings

• Very few spray adhesives provide a lasting hold like Super 77. Hobby adhesives may cause the photograph to stick, but after a short time it can fade and cause the edges of the picture to curl away from the matboard.

• Spray adhesive can be very dangerous if inhaled, so use extreme caution when spraying photographs. A protective mask of some sort is strongly advised.

• Keep the spray adhesive out of the reach of children.