Use a method the conservation sources describe. NEDCC advises against non-archival or self-adhesive tapes [2], and CCI says commercial gummed and pressure-sensitive tapes are often made of inappropriate materials with poor aging properties [3]. The Library of Congress says to use no tape to secure the mat package in the frame [1]. The table shows how each source treats the methods.
Buyer guide
Hinges, corners and adhesives for mounting a print: what the conservation sources say
Mount a print with non-adhesive corners or strips [1][2], or with Japanese tissue hinges and wheat starch paste [1][2][3]. The LOC prefers non-adhesive hinging whenever possible [1], NEDCC names both adhesive and non-adhesive methods [2], and CCI describes hinging only [3], so write the method into your spec.
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Short answer
The short answer
What a mount has to do
A mount holds the print on its mat or backing without damaging it. CCI says hinging allows some movement of the paper in response to changes in climatic conditions [3]. NEDCC says non-adhesive supports allow the object to be easily removed from the mat if necessary [2].
The three sources are the Library of Congress (LOC) [1], the Northeast Document Conservation Center (NEDCC) [2] and the Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI) [3]. This is general information, not conservation advice for a rare or valuable piece. For those, ask a conservator.
Non-adhesive methods: corners and strips
The LOC's framer checklist gives "Non-adhesive hinging (e.g., photo/mounting corners; polyethylene strapping; mounting strips) whenever possible" [1]. NEDCC says corner supports and edge strips let the object be easily removed from the mat if necessary [2].
NEDCC says self-adhesive photo corners found in many art supply stores can be problematic [2]. CCI's note describes hinging as its method of attachment and does not describe corners or strips for the print [3].
Japanese tissue hinges with wheat starch paste
The LOC gives "Japanese tissue hinges applied with refined wheat starch paste" [1]. NEDCC names Japanese paper hinges adhered with wheat starch paste as the usual approach [2]. NEDCC places hinges along the top edge, very close to the corners of the artifact, and says larger or heavy sheets may need additional hinges [2].
CCI describes hinging as its way to attach a sheet to a mat and calls the T-hinge the strongest and most versatile hinge for standard matting [3]. It says tabs should not be narrower than 1.5 cm and that the hinge goes near but not at the corner [3]. It also says wheat starch paste is the best paste to use for hinging [3]. For T-hinge detail, see our guide to conservation matboard and mounting.
Which method each source lists first
The table below sets out how each source orders and treats these methods.
| Source | Listed first | Photo corners or strips | Japanese paper hinges with wheat starch paste |
|---|---|---|---|
| LOC [1] | Non-adhesive hinging, listed first in the framer checklist ('whenever possible'); Japanese tissue hinges listed as a separate item | Named as examples of non-adhesive hinging | Listed as Japanese tissue hinges applied with refined wheat starch paste |
| NEDCC [2] | Two primary methods named, adhesive and non-adhesive; adhesive methods covered first | Corner supports described; self-adhesive corners called problematic | Japanese paper hinges adhered with wheat starch paste, named as the usual approach |
| CCI [3] | Hinging (the only attachment method described) | No corners described; hinging is the attachment method | Wheat starch paste called the best paste for hinging |
Tapes to avoid, and adhesives the sources accept
NEDCC advises against non-archival or self-adhesive tapes [2]. CCI says commercial gummed and pressure-sensitive tapes are convenient, but are often made of inappropriate materials and have poor aging properties [3]. The LOC says to secure the mat package in the frame with pins or brads, with no tape [1].
NEDCC names wheat starch paste, gummed linen tape or Filmoplast P90 as adhesives for corner supports and edge strips, recommending P90 only when it passes the Photographic Activity Test (PAT) [2]. These attach the support to the backing board, not tape across the artwork.
CCI also says gummed linen tape is used to join the front and back matboards along one edge, not to attach the print [3]. The LOC likewise lists water-activated gummed linen tape for hinging the window and backmat together, and adds that the object should not touch the linen tape [1].
Choosing a method and stating it in your spec
For other prints, put the attachment method in your spec rather than leaving it to assumption.
- State which method is required: non-adhesive corners or strips [1][2], or Japanese paper hinges with refined wheat starch paste [1][2][3]. Ask for the hinge paper and paste to be named in the quote.
- Ask for no non-archival, self-adhesive or pressure-sensitive tapes on the print [2][3].
- Ask for the method to be shown on the approved sample before bulk. See sampling before a bulk order.
- Write the method into your order brief. See how to brief a frame or board order.
How this applies when you work with us
ArtzFolio is a private-label and OEM/ODM manufacturer in Noida, serving businesses and brands only. Minimum order and lead time are confirmed in the quote. Samples are paid, and the cost may be reimbursed or adjusted by agreement. Payment is a 50% advance, with the balance as agreed in the quote; shipping is EXW Noida. We reply within 1 business day. See pricing, minimums and lead times or contact us.
Sources
Sources
- Preservation Guidelines for Matting and Framing - Collections Care, Library of Congress (Preservation). loc.gov (read 2026-11-08)
- 4.10 Matting and Framing for Works on Paper and Photographs, Northeast Document Conservation Center (NEDCC). nedcc.org (read 2026-11-08)
- Matting Works on Paper, CCI Notes 11/5, Canadian Conservation Institute. canada.ca (read 2026-11-08)
FAQ
Questions buyers ask
How do I mount a print without damaging it?
Use a method the sources describe: non-adhesive corners or strips [1][2], or Japanese paper hinges with wheat starch paste near the top edge [1][2][3].
What do the sources say about where to place hinges?
NEDCC places hinges along the top edge, very close to the corners of the artifact [2]. CCI says near but not at the corner [3].
Are self-adhesive photo corners a good choice?
NEDCC says self-adhesive photo corners found in many art supply stores can be problematic because they tend to fail [2]. The LOC's examples are non-adhesive corners [1].
Which paste do the sources recommend for hinges?
Wheat starch paste. The LOC specifies refined wheat starch paste for Japanese tissue hinges [1], NEDCC describes hinges adhered with wheat starch paste [2], and CCI calls it the best paste to use for hinging [3].
Can I use pressure-sensitive tape on a print?
The sources advise caution. CCI says such tapes are often made of inappropriate materials with poor aging properties [3], and NEDCC advises against non-archival or self-adhesive tapes [2].
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