Mounting Prints onto Gatorfoam Board

In this tutorial I show you how to mount fine art prints onto Gatorfoam board for a clean, modern, and frameless look. This is not an archival process, but rather for exhibition and marketing purposes where cost and DIY are the priority. Please leave your comments or questions below.
Here is the materials list:
Self-adhesive Gator Board: foamboards.com/
Print weights: www.framedestin...
Glue gun: www.amazon.com/...
Utility knife: www.amazon.com/...
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Enroll in my FREE fine-art printing course: creativepathwo...
More about me here: robertrodrigue...

[@VistasHermosas19]

I am watching this in 2022, thanks for leaving this video up on youtube, it was exactly what I was looking for. I don't care to have my photos behind glass or plastic so this is the perfect solution.

[@AlanColePhotography]

Thanks, Robert. Just used a variation of your technique with 100% success on four 24x36 and three 20x30 theatre lobby posters. I couldn't find 24x36 self-adhesive and needed thinner 20x30 substrate to accommodate some cheap frames, so went my usual spray glue route. The difference this time was amazing after watching your video. I had never used weights and had tried to "drop" 20x30's in the middle of larger foam core using dowels as standoffs. That required trimming and I got the occasional bubble. Weights, full protective backing and rolling were the missing links. I put wax paper over the entire sprayed surface (parallel to the short edge) and proceeded with your steps. Weights were quart stain cans with blue tape. I still had to trim, but only because the board was a little larger than the frame would take. Otherwise, the prints went exactly where I put them. Moral of the story is that I'll order dry mounted prints next time, but your technique saved the day.

[@RobertRodriguezJr]

+Alan Cole Glad it worked out for you. The key to reducing or eliminating bubbles is using heavy weight paper - 250gsm or more. Also, here are the 24x36 self-adhesive: www.foamboardsource.com/self-adhesive-gatorfoam-psgf064.html

[@genevievedolan1288]

Great information and presented brilliantly: calm, clear and nothing extraneous. You are an excellent teacher.

[@georgemacdonald5282]

Another beautifully describe video, making it look so easy giving us more confidence to try it for ourselves, what i love about these videos is the fact that the boy is straight to the point making it a pleasure to watch and listen. Thankyou.

[@marvinportillo3382]

My friend, this is the best tutorial i've come across! Thank you!

[@jimmyuptain2740]

Ordered me some Gatorboard and paperweights. Gonna give it a shot this weekend. Thanks so much for taking the time in making the video.

[@opticalpower]

MY friend l ! GREAT JOB Robert ! You need nobody to inspire you ! ... YOU ALREADY GREAT ! YOUR KZbin CHANNEL IS GREAT !!! JUST KEEP GOING !!!! BELIEVE IN YOURSELF MORE !!! and thanks for your video

[@toridominguez4167]

I have had expensive family photos packed away for years just because I couldn’t find a frame I liked. This video is genius to thank you for sharing your expertise.

[@1947Ahab]

Nice presentation. I have used self adhesive black Gatorfoam in the 12" x 18" size for my photos and art reproductions. I print my own work and love using the rough textured heavy matte papers for this process. For hanging, I have used the wood strips as you show but have recently used the Foamfast hangers that are simply pushed into the back. So far these have proved to work well.

[@CreativEye-yx1qv]

Thank You Mr Robert ,, im an iris photographer and I want to offer a unique print to my clients different than my competitors .. and this video help a lot .

[@JBEdify]

Hello, Robert. This tutorial is well-done and very helpful to me. Thanks for sharing with us, and providing links to the products you presented. I appreciate you.

[@jeffreyjumisko5165]

Very well done. I have now seen two of your videos and they are great. Very succinct and clear about purpose and the tools you may need for each project. Thanks!

[@RobertRodriguezJr]

@@jeffreyjumisko5165 thanks for the feedback!

[@Creativeassemblages]

Thanks so much. Was looking all over for a way to do prints on a hanging system and now I have found it. So simple and clear presentation.

[@nealjohnson8126]

Thank you for this tutorial. Saved my sanity.

[@Poik242]

All your videos that I have watched are very well done. Everything is explained very thoroughly, but the process is concise, so it's perfect. Thanks for sharing these videos!

[@RobertRodriguezJr]

+Poik242 you're very welcome - thanks!!

[@mariei.5895]

This video was very clear and very helpful to display a poster I just purchased. Exactly what the doctor ordered. Thanks you for the very clear explanations 👍

[@flukoluko1]

Please tell me where you purchased the boards

[@HermSchreurs]

Thank you Robert for your clear videos. Love the techniques you show here! Greetings from the Netherlands.

[@Diddle1414]

Who disliked this? It's a perfect explanation.

[@susanfield2444]

Fantastic information and so clearly and expertly presented. Thank you.

[@NMranchhand]

This is one of the most useful videos I have seen in a long time. Thanks very much for sharing it.

[@Jakilyn]

How have I never heard of Gator Board before? Especially self-adhesive? This is an awesome tutorial, thanks!

[@sandradavies2236]

Thank you so much for your tutorial. I'm using Yupo paper to mount before ink design is placed onto this board, I thought that I would have to find a glue to mount (Yupo paper) but the product that you mentioned will reduce the time spent. I also like your suggestion on the wood strips to help with the display. Thank you for all your suggestions.

[@susieherman8447]

A pearl of a tutorial. Exactly what I was searching for.

[@brucecggallagher1949]

Hello Robert, I just became a subscriber because of your simple but effective presentation. I look forward to watching more of your videos. Warm regards from British Columbia.

[@havocproltd]

Hey, Thanks! Look! 8 years later and it's still helping! I was looking for a way to present some 17x22 stuff I'm printing border-less.

[@jerryhammond373]

Thanks! Can't wait to try it myself. Where is a good place to get self adhesive gatorfoam?

[@DeborahHughes]

Thanks so much for this video. I've been looking for a clean, easy presentation for my photography for years and this meets my needs!

[@YaiYa4]

OM! Gosh... What a wonderful and clever idea. I"m so happy to have stumbled upon this video. Thank You very much for taking the time to share and create this wonderful video.

[@frodrig]

Love your tutorials. Is a pleasure see you working. Your expertise and craft makes it seems simply but it requieres a lot of care and experience. Thanks a lot for sharing!

[@Weesperbuurt]

I like your logical and organised way of working. Thank you. I would have painted the two slats black before glueing them on.

[@genevievedolan1288]

I would have liked to see how you attached a hanging wire to the wooden slats on the back.

[@tvercel]

How are you able to print to the Carson fiber? Love the approach here. Thanks for posting

[@ChesneyAdventures]

Thank you! I purchased some "storyboards" but now I want to make my own. I found your video and will give this a try to display my photography in my home.

[@nasgalii]

thanks again. I have been looking for a way to exhibit my prints without mat boards, frame and glass. You made it look so easy,

[@grangermacy]

Brilliant! So much easier than all of my past failures 🤪

[@TheMick26]

Hi Robert, I have watched several of your videos and really appreciate you sharing your expertise. While some of your equipment (the awesome mat cutter specifically) may be more than what the average framer has at his disposal, the explanations in your well put together tutorials don't scare me away. I appreciate the education and just wanted to commend you on a job well done. Best regards and Merry Christmas to you sir! Mick

[@RobertRodriguezJr]

+TheMick26 Thank you!!

[@JinsungVideo]

Always helpful and fun to watch

[@jackflash5659]

Great tutorial Robert.

[@johnchepkwony360]

Hi Robert, great and professional presentation. Much appreciated. What printer model do you use for your work?

[@hisclarkyness]

Alas we here in the UK can't get the same Self Adhesive Gatorfoam board. I tried something 'similar' but of course it was roughly A2 and had been hand cut down from larger boards. It also exhibited some warping. Does the Gatorfoam come exactly A2? I utilised Canson Platine (Canson your boy is doing his job...) and it is a superb paper and apart from my less than perfect foam core it went down like a treat. The key is to take your time, make sure once aligned it is adequately weighted down and then just follow what Rob does. Once I had it fixed at one end I used a soft lint free cloth to smooth the paper down the length of the foam board as I laid it down. Pretty simple. Many thanks.

[@Johnny-tt8zc]

Thank you for. If you wanted something more protected without glass,what would you do. Will that adhesive harm the print? I like the hanging system although I would want to do a French cleat for the top. Take care of yourself and stay safe.🍻🌲

[@danclark9987]

Robert, great tutorial! Many thanks.

[@LisaMacInnes]

i have been watching artist all day on you tube. I think it amazing what I have seen today . Thank you for sharing your amazing art. I love how professional you are . I like that people are not all about perception and just how real everyone is. No big budget fake crap like Hollywood or TV just raw and real. Thank you again I really truly enjoyed it and learned something new.

[@minedgroundhog]

that looks great and not too hard! thanks for showing!

[@safesaxman]

Mounting has always been a drag. I've been at this for many years but you just made it easy. Just mounted three BLM prints for display. Love the gator foam with adhesive. Instead of weights I used two wooden clothes pins to hold it in place. Thanks amigo. Perfect video. Owe you a beer the next time you're in NYC.

[@brendadoyle643]

Thank you so much for this video! Very clear and well presented. thank you so much.

[@michelj.pelissier4650]

Dear and Distinguished Instructor Rodriguez ! We’ll explain perfect 👌🏽 instruction , diction equals to none as all so the impressionable displays of your tools! Thanks 🙏Also special Thanks to You Tube .

[@spiritooalized]

Can you make a video about the methods of archival conservation? Thanks

[@MsFishlegs]

I always mount the two pieces of timber oil the back the other way. Then you can run a hang string or wire between them. They hang nicely to the wall.

[@leonienightingale7488]

PŪ

[@Chrismcpheesound]

Great tip I'm just about to make some of these and was wondering the best way to hang them. I'll do it this way

[@robertdavis3433]

Loved your presentation. Good video from Sacramento

[@caridadaponte9088]

When is your next workshop...and location..please

[@clarification007]

Great simple clean job to do! Thanks! Well done that demonstration!

[@arthurhowle5356]

I have used adhesive-backed foam board for mounting poster prints and have been successful about 50% of the time, thus about half my posters were ruined and the other half looked great. One difference in your prints and typical posters is that the poster paper is thinner and has a greater tendency to wrinkle if not perfectly straight when attaching to the adhesive and once the wrinkle sticks, it is permanent. I will try your technique of cutting the backing paper about 1/3rd distance from the edge and hope for better results. Thank you.

[@RobertRodriguezJr]

+Arthur Howle Yes it definitely is much easier when using thicker paper. Poster paper would be a challenge as your success rate shows. Good luck.

[@SupremacyGamesYT]

+Arthur Howle I'm looking to do the same thing with movie posters as well. (27x40's) So did your mounting fail because of your wrong doing or does it just not work well?

[@arthurhowle5356]

+Supremacy Games I recommend following the method shown in Robert Rodriguez's You Tube video. Before peeling off any backing paper, lay the poster atop the foam board with weights at one end (books work well), making sure the poster lines up perfectly with the foam board. Gently lay the un-weighted end of the poster back to expose that end of the foam board. With a razor knife, cut a shallow slit in the backing paper about 1/4th to 1/3rd distance from the end (opposite the weighted end). Peel off this paper. Then carefully press the poster paper onto the exposed adhesive. The adhesive is unforgiving; any creases or wrinkles are permanent, but if you apply even pressure from the middle to the end of the paper, you should get good results. Remove the weights, gently lay the poster back and peel off the remaining backing paper. Then carefully, evenly, smoothly press the rest of the poster onto the adhesive. Before viewing Robert Rodriguez's video, I attempted to apply the poster, starting at one end and working to the opposite end. It worked about 50% of the time. His method is much better.

[@arthurhowle5356]

+Arthur Howle Some movie posters are double sided and so any type of dry-mounting is not recommended. Mounting such posters between two sheets of glass or plexiglass may keep the poster flat and with no wrinkling. However, this increases the cost.

[@SupremacyGamesYT]

+Arthur Howle Most of mine are originals so they are double sided, so is this a no go for me? Thanks Arthur

[@stevef4010]

Nice simple presentation. Thank you Robert. I tried the spray method with foamcore. Initially good, but got buckling on some of them.

[@RobertRodriguezJr]

+Steve F Spraying your own adhesive is more difficult because you have to make sure you cover every single part if the board,. That's why I like the self-adhesive gatorboard - it's totally glued to the paper without any gaps.

[@Fuzzywuzzywasawoman]

Wow gatorfoam where you been all life!!

[@dirk8980]

Great video. Thanks for producing it. Do you never wear gloves? I'm always afraid for fingermarks. Especially on glossy paper.

[@regryan8044]

Hi Robert , You have inspired me once again. After 30 years in the industry I am going to start framing and printing again. What is the best way to frame a print without glass that's archival . Cheers Reg

[@youyouulf]

You should recommend using a wide roller when applying pressure to the photo to avoid pockets of air to be trapped between the board and the photo, especially if the print is of a somewhat lighter paper weight.

[@MikeAttanasiofoto]

Loved this tutorial..... have you done a tutorial on your archival process? Or is it part of the mounting and framing video?

[@bigwesvideos]

Thank you for an excellent video. I am just starting out, but I feel like I can do this now. Great job.

[@mstandal09]

Do you have a video where you do the same thing only making the print archivable? I found that the fine art heavy weight paper began to bubble after a few days using the self adhesive board, meaning that the adhesive is not aggressive enough for this heavy weight paper. This type of mounting works perfectly on regular weight photo paper, but not the heavier fine art paper, lost 5 or 6 large giclee prints and the boards mounting like this. Although, I was using a heavier foamcore and not gatorboard not sure if that would make a difference?? But I will now think twice before using this method on heavy fine art paper...unless your running it through a weighted rolling system...like cold lamination rollers.

[@kaywaddell9892]

here in Houston a printing company I use has gator board on hand. they charge me $4 s.f. to mount my prints and I love them! I may try doing myself now though after finding this video 😂😂😂 I've sold 2 since I got them last week and rmthe clients love them!

[@AndreaStevens2012]

Nice vid, thanks for sharing! QQ please: Can you use any brand/type hot glue or is there a special kind that doesn't interact negatively with the foam, i.e. won't melt it? TIA!

[@captainklr6508]

Your a great instructor! 🎉

[@ElinaRamirez-z7r]

You think we can paint a gatorfoam? like with wall paint. Trying to work on a project and looking for the best foam board.

[@Feddzzz]

Sorry I’m very new at this, but what exactly would you hang the wood pieces on? Just a couple nails in the wall or something better?

[@kevinbrooks6078]

Great information and demonstration, thank you Sir. I am doing something similar with the backdrop for my model railroad set using gator board.

[@DarioVenturini-photography]

Hi Robert, Can you recommend any useful tut of how to prepare image for print. great tut

[@RobertRodriguezJr]

+Dario Venturini Check my printing book: robertrodriguezjr.com/digital-fine-art-printing-book/

[@NeilSlater]

Another super video Robert. I still didn't find a supplier in Germany or Europe that sells this Gatorboard :-( I guess you're in the US, but if you or any of your viewers know where I can buy this self-adhesive board in Europe I'd appreciate it. Thanks

[@priMARYlove1]

Great tutorial. You made it really easy to follow along.

[@robertrankl6212]

Awesome presentation. Mounting made easy. Thank you very much for posting this!!! :D Could you please share your source for self-adhesive gatorfoam board?

[@RobertRodriguezJr]

+Robert Rankl www.foamboardsource.com/self-adhesive-gatorfoam-psgf064.html

[@robertrankl6212]

Thank you, I should have looked further before I asked you. This is really an excellent video and will definitely be used to the fullest by me. :-)

[@RobertRodriguezJr]

+Robert Rankl no worries, always glad to help.

[@Tony4CEOs]

This company is no longer taking orders. WHere are you getting it now?

[@dausmahnke5855]

Great tutorial. What thickness of gator board do you recommend?

[@apeterson23]

Are you still using this technique of gatorboard or have you updated it to a different material? Thanks love the video!

[@golpiramirzazadeh8792]

thanks for the video. do you know what adhesive to use to stick a photo paper to the aluminum panel?

[@jonbeth44]

how do I glue print canvas to Gatofoam board? Great Video for regular prints.

[@eixenoeservices1937]

What printer you are using now ? Can suggest me what is best printer for photo printing under 6k dollars

[@Eli-lb1lc]

How long will this last? It looks fantastic and I prefer this look over a traditional frame. Is it good enough to sell? I'm​ looking for a way to display my landscape photography for a show later this fall that is not very expensive. Even buying frames and mattes for about $40 turns out being quite expensive and I would prefer a cheaper method.

[@gaelicmemories]

Superb calm explanation that’s easy to follow, great work thank you.

[@dannistor7294]

...excellent job, Sir...

[@AyeJay99]

Is there a way to cut the board so its not exposed. Just have the art work all the way to the edges of the board.

[@ronaldturski6149]

Thank you for introducing me to Gator Board and simple presentation :-)

[@RobertRodriguezJr]

+Ronald Turski You're very welcome!

[@AdrianIII]

Don't you find that the BLACK of the gatorfoam visually bleeds through enough to dull the whites of your print, including the white border? Even a little?

[@RobertRodriguezJr]

Not at all with a good heavy weight paper. I use 310gsm.

[@myblessedkreations8832]

hey hi . i like your this method. Can i use this method instead of photo frames? and stick think strip in the back? to put in the table?you have use wood strips for hanging. I want to use single strip for photo frame...This one is best method for wall hanging.But iw ant to also use as a photo frames. Dont want to use four corner sides and put picture into it. if i use this method,will it be suitable in marketing or selling your products?

[@eliseosilva7689]

I had a question. If there are no boards available with the adhesive, what process would you suggest if I don’t have a mounting machine? Are there any affordable machines that help you apply the adhesive then the print? I’d like to trim after the mounting and very curious.

[@ChrisPugh]

I bought some Gatorboard and noticed that a few of my boards had visible chunks of dirt under the waxpaper piece that were stuck to the adhesive. How do I deal with this?

[@RobertRodriguezJr]

+Chris Pugh Photo No idea really except to say it should be clean, I would return it and get clean ones or buy from a better supplier.

[@Clarkenwill]

Can you mount like this in self adhesive aluminium?

[@tinamariemalinowski2745]

I love it.... my question is I love taking pictures. I have a photo lab do them like Wal-Mart o the print need to be a mat finish?

[@jimeronimo]

I tried mounting a printed 16" x 55" panoramic picture for a model train background on foam core. Didn't want a glossy look so it wasn't laminated and was printed on wide bond paper. I used Aileene's spray adhesive. Unfortunately it warped when it dried and despite carefully rolling it out on the the foam core I also had some bubbles and because it had no working time i couldn't get them out. How can I fix this OR if I have to do it all over again.. what can I do to avoid it from happening again?

[@skydiverbob1]

Thank you Robert for that excellent video. You have inspired me to get started to mount some prints myself using this technique. Awesome!!! I already bought the weights and the glue gun. I will probably buy 16X24 Gatorfoam to start with as this is a good 3:2 ratio as a standard camera shot. Could you please explain a little more in detail the holes in the wood strip and what kind of hook you would use to hang this and how you hang it? I would really appreciate that immensely!!!

[@morrisneiberg2537]

Where did you buy the weights?

[@skydiverbob1]

www.framedestination.com/framing-accessories/photo-mounting-supplies/leather-print-and-paper-weight.html

[@laurapotter3213]

This is a great tutorial for mounting images. Thanks!

[@Ron-p9s]

Where do you buy Gator board with a self adhesive layer? i have never seen a source.

[@vachikelchibegian6370]

Thanks for the tutorial. I am working on framing a 96X42 canvas print. Would the self adhesive Gatorboard work as a support? do you know if such size exist? Thanks for your help.

[@rodelpelo840]

What type of photo picture you use. Vinyl or paper

[@bryankung]

Thank you for this. So informative!

[@WeeStevieB]

I've been wanting to mount my prints different from the norm and this looks simple yet very effective! Good job! :D

[@arwindersingh2658]

Hello I have question about the printer where I can purchase a printer

[@googleuser7202]

Robert or if anyone else would like to reply. How long will the print adhere to the Gator Board before is let's lose? In other words will it peel off after certain amount of time or even if it's in a sunny area or warm area?

[@highpowwered]

I have so very large prints. How big does gatorboard get and where do I buy it?

[@abbybia3113]

Hi, loving yr videos! Any courses at sight? Bdw the form link is not working.

[@roncf1]

Hi Robert, I draw with pencils, the paper has a tendency to warp from the pressure of the pencil while drawing. Would you recomend using Gatorboard with adhesive to mount the drawings on to rid the drawings of the bubbled areas of the drawing. Making it one smooth surface. Any advice would be greatly apprciated. Thank You.

[@vapeurdepisse]

I'm not finding the self-adhesive gator board and the link in the description is broken. Any idea?

[@muminki7783]

Hi Robert, thanks for sharing your knowledge, appreciated. Always great video and ideas. My question to anyone experienced is whether you know company which prints high quality canvases? Thanks and Regards