FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PRINTS

What is a Lightjet print?
How long will a Lightjet print last?
What sizes do your prints come in?
Should my print be hinge mounted or dry mounted?
What kind of matte board should I use?
Where should I have my print framed?

Q. What is a Lightjet print?
A. A Lightjet print uses red, green and blue laser light to expose digital images on to traditional photographic paper setting the standard for true photographic quality.

Q. How long will a Lightjet print last?
A. Lightjet prints exposed onto Fuji Crystal Archive paper have an expected life of over 60 years without noticeable fading.

Q. What sizes do your prints come in?
A. “20 x 30”, 13” x 19” and “8 x 12”

Q. Should my print be hinge mounted or dry mounted?
A. That depends.

Dry mounting uses heat, pressure and adhesives to permanently adhere the print to the mounting boards, such as foam core board or Gatorfaom. Dry mounting can make a very nice presentation if done correctly. If, however, there is damage to the mounting board, due to dropping or improper handling, the print can’t be removed from the mount and mounted again.

The advantage of dry mounting prints is they will lay flat and secure in humid environments. Sometimes dry mounted prints can have a slight blistered look when seen in certain lighting conditions but is becoming an accepted mainstream way of presenting prints in their best light.

Hinge mounting is generally used for gallery exhibitions or displaying prints for resell and is an archival method of mounting, meaning that as the mattes and mounting boards accumulate environmental pollutants over time, they can be replaced with all new mounting and matting materials before any discoloration or damage to the valuable print or artwork occurs.

A temporary, taped, hinge is formed with the mounting board and
over-matte. The print is then secured to the mount with two “T” hinges using special linen paper and organic paste compounds. Corner mounts can be used on the bottom corners of the print to help it lay flush but should not support the prints weight. The tape can be removed easily without damaging the print.
Hinge mounted prints can develop waves and ripples in humid conditions. Hinge mounting is considered, by many artists and galleries, as the only acceptable way to mount museum quality works or works that must be archived for long periods of time. Waves and ripples will disappear as the air dries.

I recommend dry mounting open edition prints, especially larger prints, as the prints will be rolled and shipped in tubes. If you would like to hinge mount one of my prints, that has been shipped in a tube, then I would recommend allowing it to relax and flatten for several days or have it heat pressed by an experienced framer.

Q. What kind of matte board should I use?
A. Matte colors are a personal choice based on preference, room aesthetics and decor but the matte should be 100% acid free rag matte and serve to enhance the print and not compete with it. Double matting is also a personal choice. The first matte is used to create a border around the print creating separation. The second top matte is used to accentuate the print colors and room decor. The matting should only serve to enhance the print and protected it from touching the frame glass.

Q. Where should I have my print framed?
Well if you live in New Mexico there is an unlimited number of custom frame shops. A good place to go in Albuquerque is Fast Frames, they’re not really fast but do a nice job and have very nice selection of frames. They’re fellow photographers also so they know what needs to be done.

FAST FRAMES
6300 SAN MATEO BLVD.
SUITE H - 3
ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87109
Phone: (505) 822-1221

I sincerely hope you enjoy your print and with proper care it will last a lifetime!

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