Backing for Mount Boards

Looking to start entering prints in competitions at the local camera club. I've bought the mount cutter and had some 20"x16" cut down from full size sheets which are 2mm thick.

Club rules state total thickness must be no more than 3mm. So, I'm looking for backing to put behind my photo of 1mm or less. The supplier from whom I bought the mounting boards also supplied board for backing, but that is also 2mm, so making a total width of 4mm.

What do others use? Any suggestions for suppliers? Be grateful for any help.

You can get thick paper (thin card) which is 280 micron (just over 1/4mm)thick. I've been using it for booklet cover sheets.

Comes in a large range of colours and should be available from most larger stationers.

Reading your query another way (the backing will not be seen and needs to support the photograph) You can also get 1mm perspex sheet - I've seen it in the likes of B&Q where is is sold with an adhesive magnetic strip for secondary glazing- so this might be the time of year to look for that. To cut use a steel straight edge and a piece of broken hacksaw blade as a "plough" to cut a groove then bend over a straight edge - tidy up by draw filing.

Just a thought - do they refer to the total thickness of the whole sandwich as being less than 3mm or the total mount to be less than 3mm. My brother enters many competitions down here and uses 5/6mm firm sponge like material (shops use it to put adverts on)as a back board, but is restricted on the mount thickness as some have in the past used multiple coloured mounts stacked in front of the pic

Bernard

Thanks Bernard. Its the total thickness that needs to be 3mm or less. Rationale is when a judge is carrying around a fair few mounted photos around it helps to keep the weight, and probaly more impartant the volume to a minimum.

Maybe where I've missed with my searches is looking for 1mm thick board. I maybe should be using micron and not mm in google. Looking for something opaque, as opposed to perspex, which might let some back lighting through when on the light box

I'm surprised that any competition can be that pedantic. What on earth is 1mm between fellow club members unless one of them has a micrometer.

Do you have to pass the '3mm Rule' before they look at your picture? You say 'a fair few' so 30 prints all at 4mm would add a staggering 30mm extra thickness.

I have to say I've never joined a camera club.

Ask the other members what they use?

These people supply Grey Backing Board cut to size, as well as normal mounting board.

http://www.paperspectrum.co.uk/mount-board.

I usually buy my Mounting Board from them and have them delivered. They usually arrive within a few days and are well packed. They also supply 3M Photo Mount Spray in the red tin, this is the best.

I must admit, if I am window mounting, I often use 2 Mounting Boards. This is acceptable to my club and outside exhibitions.

Thanks Graham. I'll check with them.

I've also found a potential supplier here http://www.papercutz.co.uk/a2-greyboard-card-360gsm-600-micron-8435-p.asp

Why grey?
I have always used white.

John

These also:-
http://www.lionpic.co.uk/hardware-supplies/supplies/backing-boards/cream-pulp-bo...

Where from John? And thanks Graham

Try visiting your local printer. He might have some cardboard of the desired thickness lying around somewhere in his shop. I would send you some from my shop, but you're kind of far.

This site might have something suitable:

http://www.mapleframing.co.uk/acatalog/store.html

Hi Alan, I buy the mounts ready cut "in house" at the club

Details from the back of a "back"
5011385948691 Daler - Rowney 302128042 Poster Black 153410

Think the fronts are from the same stock and lots of members buy them.

I have seen prints just taped to the back of a "front" with parcel tape so assume the print is printed on thick paper, (maybe thats just for internal competitions don't think they would travel very well.)
not sure if this is helpful or not, will have to read the rules yes it says "mounted on board 20" x 18" and 3mm in thickness" assume this is total thickness?

Memo to self must buy micrometer

Thanks Stan. Got sorted this morning. Bought some new 20"x 16" mounting boards from Brittania Frames at Brunswick. They are approx 1.2mm thick. Also got backing board from them which is the same thickness

A related question: are you still using 20" x 16" boards? I ask because the L&CPU, for example, now requires 50x40cm boards to be in line with the PAGB.

One of the things I hate most about print mounting is cutting my stock of boards down to the new size.

For mounting I use 3M Photo Mount (red can) and it does the job. I know window mounting looks great when done well, but I never have time.