I'd like to hear what people are doing (if anything) for low-cost but still attractive presentation of large prints. By large I mean 24" per side and up. I'd like to be able to hang/display tens of "archival" inkjet prints around my house. I understand framing -- board, photo, mats, glass, frame, clips, hangars -- but it's expensive even ordering from wholesale suppliers and cutting my own materials: I figure $100 or so per image or more. What are other "poor artists" doing who produce significant numbers of prints?
My "budget" solution is to order prints from WHCC mounted on their 3mm styrene backing. Then I hang them using the 3M Comand strips. Since the strips remove cleanly, from both the art and the wall, your presentation can be easily and regulalry updated.
My only issue with the styrene backing is that it can bow in low humidity conditions. Other than that it's great stuff.
I often used self adhesive stiff foam backing (better grade than foamcore and not quite Gator foam). Styrene works too, but often needs the sticky material applied too. Try www.codamount.com/ they have the stiff foam board and self stick styrene. It is best to have a press to apply the print to the board.
It would be a shame to have archival prints -- large, expensive ones at that -- and use non-archival, non-reversible adhesive boards. The frame mouldings are the expensive part. Mat board and foamcore backing bought in bulk isn't too much per print, cut it yourself and use linen tape or paper hinges. Buy glass or Plexi from a local glass shop, much cheaper than from a frame shop. You might even do without the glass. Use "Swiss clips" at ~ $4.50/set for a "frameless" presentation that might be $20-30 per print.
