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: www.foamboardso...
Print weights: www.framedestin...
Glue gun: www.amazon.com/...
Utility knife: www.amazon.com/...
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More about me here: robertrodrigue...

[@susieherman8447]

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

[@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 .

[@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

[@marvinportillo3382]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!!

[@nealjohnson8126]

Thank you for this tutorial. Saved my sanity.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@JohnJBurnettJr]

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.

[@NMranchhand]

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

[@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.

[@susanfield2444]

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

[@HermSchreurs]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@grangermacy]

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

[@Jakilyn]

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

[@Weesperbuurt]

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

[@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!

[@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 .

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@bryankung]

Thank you for this. So informative!

[@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.

[@brendadoyle643]

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

[@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,

[@Diddle1414]

Who disliked this? It's a perfect explanation.

[@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.

[@jamesjoyce5136]

One thing: When you print a picture that should be centered on the paper - it is a big mistake to make the free space above and under the picture equal! No profi, no serious artist use this method. The upper white space should be a little bit smaller than the space under the picture. Only some millimeters. Then the pictures looks balanced on the sheet. If you do so like on the video, the picture seems (virtually) a little bit to deep. One could get the impression as if the pic sinks out of the frame. You need some feeling for this and have to test before printing.

[@jackflash5659]

Great tutorial Robert.

[@Fuzzywuzzywasawoman]

Wow gatorfoam where you been all life!!

[@bigwesvideos]

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

[@jenluvz2dance]

wonderful tutorial!

[@minedgroundhog]

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

[@ronaldturski6149]

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

[@RobertRodriguezJr]

+Ronald Turski You're very welcome!

[@danclark9987]

Robert, great tutorial! Many thanks.

[@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

[@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

[@noorkhawaja]

Excellent video. Thanks

[@clarification007]

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

[@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.

[@bananapie2198]

Amazing tutorial...

[@robertdavis3433]

Loved your presentation. Good video from Sacramento

[@kevinbrooks6078]

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

[@priMARYlove1]

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

[@laurapotter3213]

This is a great tutorial for mounting images. Thanks!

[@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

[@WeeStevieB]

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

[@captainklr6508]

Your a great instructor! 🎉

[@gaelicmemories]

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

[@MikeAttanasiofoto]

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

[@dannistor7294]

...excellent job, Sir...

[@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.

[@jerryhammond373]

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

[@montanasojourn]

Excellent tutorial. Thank you for sharing.

[@garyaltoonian783]

Thank you for sharing your techniques.

[@dougspindler4947]

Well done. Thank you

[@photogher]

Very informative, wonderful presentation! Thank you for making your video.

[@StephenArrowood]

Thank You, just what I was looking for.

[@UYDesigns]

this was genius!

[@josephbarberphotography]

Cool! easy to follow tuturial

[@SuzannePenley]

Thank you very much for this tutorial, it is well-done and extremely helpful!

[@gabrielembeha]

Excellent. Very well done.

[@eyehustlebrand5368]

very cool! thanks!

[@maryellenmcdonough8687]

Incredibly helpful!!! Thank you!

[@richmegenis4863]

Great tutorial much appreciated. Thank you.

[@sissywekesa4084]

So artistic.

[@pankajbhattacharjee173]

So nice

[@roblpm2]

Very good thanks

[@teenamariefancey7654]

Excellent! Thanks so much for this!

[@D1G1TALSYNAPS3]

Excellent video. Thank you so much.

[@amyjo2330]

Nicely done! I😊

[@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

[@MochaQueen5]

Nice work!

[@user-nx4gr2zu8k]

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

[@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.

[@dausmahnke5855]

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

[@dirk8980]

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

[@jerometerry26]

Thanks Robert.

[@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!

[@TheCaywood3]

Thank you

[@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.

[@judithjscott]

Very helpful. 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.🍻🌲

[@reginaldanderson7218]

Hey! I love your material ;)

[@danielspeight9589]

Love this guy!

[@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?

[@helderfilipe2000]

nice one,,,really enjoyed apart that you should take that ring out of your finger when you touch those pictures

[@caridadaponte9088]

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

[@EricJFord]

Great video.

[@rebwar08]

Thank you so much for this video

[@golpiramirzazadeh8792]

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