How about fastening (glue?) aluminum molding strips to the back?

http://www.metals4u.co.uk/products.asp?Cat_ID=1

this web site has good illustrations but you should be able to find similar products locally
in a home improvement store.


Best wishes, Barbara, retired librarian


-----Original Message-----
From: Brewster Buttfield <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Wed, Jan 26, 2011 1:25 pm
Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] Exhibit panels: Keeping them true.

Phil
I can suggest three techniques that I have used and may solve your problem.
Maybe the easiest is to adhere the same material to both sides of the foamboard. This should equalize the absorbation of atmosphere rendering the panel flat.
You can also attach wooden strips to the backs with hot glue. These help stiffen the panels and can also be useful for mounting, such as french cleats.
And last (my favorite) is to elimnate the mounting all together. Find a printer that can print directly onto the foamcore or gatorboard. I have found this to be less expensive. The only drawback is the resolution is not as great, but it seems to work well for images and most fonts down to about 20 point.
Good luck
Brewster
On Jan 26, 2011 2:58 PM, "Phil Raino" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

Hello all,

Our library's exhibits invariably incorporate informational panels, ranging in size fro 24" x 36" to 48" x 72", digitally printed and mounted to foamcore. These mounted panels get hung within wall cases, or via chain from a hanging rail on walls. I've run up against a persistent problem with some batches of foamcore exhibiting notable warping and bowing (depending on the season as well). If indeed similar panels are being used by you all in your exhibits: By what methods, or with which products, can these panels be kept rigid and flat, minimizing or even eliminating the bowing?

The most obvious answer is putting the panels within oversize picture frames, but this results in... well, a distracting frame around the panel's graphics. Experiments with adhering unglassed picture frames to the backs of the foamcore panels have been less than successful. As we've no fabrication facilities on the premises, I've not been able to make wooden frames or supports.

Is it simply a question of opting for the much-more-expensive Sintra or another material that isn't as warp-prone?
Phil Raino
Exhibits Developer, Special Collections Research Center
The Estelle and Melvin Gelman Library
George Washington University

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