Pressure-sensitive adhesive is essentially a giant piece of double-sided tape. Mounting with pressure-sensitive adhesives is sometimes called "cold mounting." These adhesives are used primarily for smaller-sized pieces no larger than 20"x24".

Mounting boards pre-coated with pressure-sensitive adhesive— often called "sticky boards"—are available in standard sizes.

To mount paper using a sticky board:

1. Peel the protective sheet from the adhesive side of the board along the top edge.

2. Position the print over the board and touch the top edge of the print to the adhesive.

3. Pull off more of the protective sheet, uncovering a little adhesive at a time. Allow the print to set onto the exposed area, being careful to avoid wrinkles or creases.

4. Use a squeegee or roller to create the bond. Some adhesives are repositionable for awhile. Some require time for the bond to set. Read the instructions that come with the board.

FABRIC-COVERED MATS

Spray and pressure-sensitive adhesives can be used to make fabric-covered (or paper-covered) mats.

Following the instructions on the adhesive, apply adhesive to the back of the fabric. Apply the fabric to the face of the already cut mat. Line up the fabric weave, and use a squeegee to secure the bond. Place the mat face down and cut out a window in the fabric, to about 2" from the mat opening, then make diagonal cuts at the corners-- careful--cut just to the very beginning of the corner of the mat opening. Wrap the four flaps of fabric over the mat bevel and secure them to the back of the mat.