DIP Online
Designs Ink Publishing Article Archive
and Reference Library
Articles by Chris A. Paschke,
CPF GCF CMG
"Keeping It Clean"
May 1995
You eat
right, exercise and take vitamins...the good life right? So why do you still
have those days when everything goes wrong?
Maybe you aren't taking the appropriate steps to ensure your equipment's
health too. Regular maintenance of your equipment is every bit as essential to
a smooth flowing operation as vitamins are to your body's machinery.
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
Though
the mechanics of good mounting technique (through TTPM) must be fully
understood and practiced, they can be totally overridden by poor maintenance.
The pressure within a press required for dry mounting may indeed transfer
wrinkles into more pliable foam board substrates from over-worked release
papers, see "Release Paper". Negligence in routinely checking these
same release papers for remnants of adhesive may allow bits or strips of remaining
adhesive residue to be inadvertently transferred to the surface of an ensuing
project.
Avoid
over-worked, wrinkled sheets by regularly wiping them with a clean, soft,
lint-free rag to remove bits of unwanted adhesive and dust particles. Good
lighting is imperative to be able to see alien dust particles which will show
up under any surface, but always a dark surface far worse than a light colored
one.
It is
also extremely important to constantly check the release materials during the
course of the day. Any project might be
the one responsible for adhesive left on a release envelope. Check them between
mountings if over-sized or pre-mounted adhesive procedures are routinely being
used.
EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE
Dirt and
dust particles may locate themselves within the environment of any press
awaiting an unsuspecting mounting project. These particles, often stuck to the
platen, can create tiny pinpoint indentations on the mounted surface and
substrate.
Develop a
daily routine of wiping down the inside of your mounting equipment to cut down
on particles looking for a place to relocate. Also keep presses closed when not
in use to avoid dust and particle build-up. Just as with your mat cutter, daily
cleaning and nightly covering will allow for better control over your work.
Properly
adjusted presses will ensure proper mounting pressure, but even proper pressure
can't avoid the indentation of a dirty platen (photo 1) into a foam board substrate.
It only stands to reason that if release paper can transfer wrinkles to a
mounting project, then the alien texture of adhesive residue remaining on the
platen surface of the mounting press can also transfer the same type of
pattern. Though use of a release board will creates a barrier between adhesive
stuck to the platen and the project, release papers are thin enough to transfer
unwanted textures.
CLEANING THE VACUUM PLATEN
If
examination of the platen through wiping with a lint-free rag or perhaps
running your hand smoothly across the cold surface indicates particles or
adhesive, it is imperative to remove them (photo 2). Adhesive residue is easily
removed by using an adhesive solvent such as UnSeal, Bestine thinner, or
Toluene, (photo 3) though make certain to open windows for adequate
ventilation. Never use any abrasive materials on the platen. Sandpaper, steel
wool or sharp objects could permanently scratch the platen surface allowing
these permanent scratches to be transferred to later mounting projects.
Silicone
residue from release materials often results in a visual discoloration on the
surface of used vacuum platens (photo 4). They are generally detectable only
when viewed at an angle and pose no danger to successful mountings since there
is no texture to transfer indentations.
UNHINGING A MECHANICAL PRESS
If the
platen of your mechanical press is in need of massive attention due to lengthy
neglect or long term build-up (photo 1), the hex bolts and nuts located on the
lower arm of the press may be removed allowing a full opening of the press
(photo 5). Always remove the lowest of the three bolts and be careful to
inspect the placement and exact order in which the washers, bolt and nuts need
to be replaced. Once the lower bolt has been removed (both 9/16" and
5/8" are required for the 210M in the photo) and the top is laid open like
a book, platen accessibility for application of solvents and creams is quite
easy (photo 6).
PREVENTATIVE MEASURES
You
wouldn't think of cutting mats all day without changing the blade, why wouldn't
you check the release paper or dust the platen of your press? Necessity of a
daily, weekly or monthly routine monitoring the cleanliness of your press will
be determined by it's basic work load...but it MUST be done!
Wrapping
single-sided release paper around the sponge pad of a mechanical press is a
simple preventative measure to ensure a clean felt surface. This will protect
it if a project were to be accidentally mounted without a release envelope
allowing edges of adhesive to be physically mounted to the felt layer on top of
the pad. An excess of adhesive residue on the sponge pad could not only create
a messy situation, but excess adhesives could restrict the foam from conforming
to the shape of the item being mounted. This could essentially result in a poor
mounting due to inconsistent pressure against the platen, possibly encouraging
center bubbles.
Cut a
piece of release paper to the width of the pad, fold the excess paper around
the ends of the pad and tuck them between (not under) the pad and the masonite.
The limp heavy nature of the pad in conjunction with the toothed back of the
single-sided release paper holds well without much slipping (photo 7). A
wrapped pad is not meant to be a substitution for release materials, but rather
additional insurance to protect the pad from ambitious new mounters who may
forget the critical "release paper" bottom sheet.
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
Regardless
of your choice of release materials or maintenance procedures, the important
thing is to practice good, clean mounting. It is always best to work in a well
lit area where you are able to clearly see any potential problems long before
they occur.
So what's
the bottom line? No matter how great your technical skills, if you don't keep
it clean, your press just could turn on you!
Remember clean process...clean product.
END
For more articles on design see the Design Series under Articles by Subject.
Additional information on mounting basics
is found in The Mounting and Laminating Handbook, Second Edition, 2002, and The Mounting
And Laminating Handbook, Third Edition, 2008. Creative Mounting,
Wrapping, And Laminating, 2000 will teach you everything you
need to know about getting the most from your dry mount equipment and materials
as an innovative frame designer. All books are available from Designs Ink Publishing through this
website.
For live consultations with Chris Paschke,
CPF GCF call Designs Ink, 661.821.2188. A flat fee of $25 will be charged for
each new technical problem. Unlimited calls or emails are allowed for each
established mounting problem.
Chris A Paschke, CPF GCF
Designs Ink
Designs Ink Publishing
785 Tucker Road, Suite G-183
Tehachapi, CA 93561
661.821.2188
info@designsinkart.com