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  • 1.  Object Labels

    Posted 03-03-2015 09:50 AM

    Can anyone recommend a cost effective way to produce neat, professional looking labels in-house besides using the wet mount on board process?

    We are an art museum and have printed object labels on white and clear adhesive sheets cut to size in the past, but would really like to find some other, more aesthetically pleasing material/method that can be quickly and easily produced. Any tips or ideas would be greatly appreciated!  


    Thanks,
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    Amie Walston
    Mattatuck Museum
    Waterbury CT
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    AAM Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo, Baltimore, May 16-19, 2024, click to learn more


  • 2.  RE: Object Labels

    Posted 03-04-2015 10:28 AM
    Hi Amie,

    We use a product called Double Tack.  It's essentially a 9" x 12" sheet of double sided tape that is archival.  We print the labels on a laser printer and adhere them to the one side.  The other side goes directly on the wall.  This product comes in a number of sizes, so you can make labels of any size and they trim easily.  Here's the vendor I use:  http://www.duall.com/

    The labels come off easily and don't mar your walls.  There are many similar products if you want to research this further.  

    Best,

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    Jeanne Brasile
    Director
    Walsh Gallery - Seton Hall University
    South Orange NJ
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    AAM Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo, Baltimore, May 16-19, 2024, click to learn more


  • 3.  RE: Object Labels

    Posted 03-04-2015 10:45 AM
    You may also look into PMA, or 3M 568 - Positionable Mounting Adhesive. it may be similar to the previous post. PMA is a this adhesive material that comes on a roll. You can essentially turn anything you want into a sticker. It is very easy to use and holds very well once it is rubbed down. It is a standard for exhibit graphics and labels in the arenas I have worked in.


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    Barton Hays
    Monterey Bay Aquarium
    Monterey CA
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    AAM Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo, Baltimore, May 16-19, 2024, click to learn more


  • 4.  RE: Object Labels

    Posted 03-04-2015 01:39 PM
    Thank you Everett, Barton, and Jeanne- I appreciate your time and suggestions and will now do some experimenting!

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    Amie Walston
    Mattatuck Museum
    Waterbury CT
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    AAM Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo, Baltimore, May 16-19, 2024, click to learn more


  • 5.  RE: Object Labels

    Posted 03-05-2015 08:12 AM
    Another solution is to have a selection of standard sizes of drilled plexi and attach the labels by nailing them to the wall (under the plexi) with tacks. I also like the way it looks to mount labels with PMA to rag mat board and cut them with beveled edges, but this is difficult and time-consuming.

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    Susan Barnett
    Creative Arts Professional
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    AAM Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo, Baltimore, May 16-19, 2024, click to learn more


  • 6.  RE: Object Labels

    Posted 03-05-2015 10:36 AM
    We use a material called PhotoTex, which many people know of as "Fathead" (the life-size football players, etc. you can stick on your wall). It is a low-tack, repositionable and almost fabric-like material. Our local sign shop prepares and cuts them for us. I can find out cost info if you like, but as we are a smaller gallery, the look and time savings are well worth it. They can even color match the labels to your walls.


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    Meggin Hicklin
    Student
    Blacksburg VA
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    AAM Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo, Baltimore, May 16-19, 2024, click to learn more


  • 7.  RE: Object Labels

    Posted 03-06-2015 02:51 PM
    We print our labels on paper colors that correspond to the gallery paint. They then get heat mounted on to an acid free backing board and trimmed on a mat cutter.

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    Rurik Hover
    Label & Signage Production Specialist
    Minneapolis Institute of Arts
    Minneapolis MN
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    AAM Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo, Baltimore, May 16-19, 2024, click to learn more


  • 8.  RE: Object Labels

    Posted 03-09-2015 10:02 AM
    I've - well, the exhibit designers/installers I've worked with - had great luck printing object labels on heavier-weight paper (like resume paper) then mounting to foam-board that has a self adhesive side, then trimming the labels.  It's pretty economical and you can always reprint and re-do mistakes.  And the foam-board comes in black or white.  You can also easily cut another foam-board piece to  hot glue to the back of the label if you want to have it stand up at an angle in a case for easier viewing. If you need photos let me know...

    Claudia

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    Claudia Ocello
    President & CEO
    Museum Partners Consulting
    Morristown NJ
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    AAM Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo, Baltimore, May 16-19, 2024, click to learn more


  • 9.  RE: Object Labels

    Posted 03-10-2015 05:17 PM
    Yes, foam board with a self-adhesive side would be a good option. I don't think anyone has mentioned mounting your printed labels to illustration board with TwinTak, a double-sided adhesive - here is an example -- (http://www.artsupply.com/24-x-36-Grafix-Twin-Tack-Archival-Adhesive-Sheets_p_72526.html)

    You may also ask some printers in the area of they do direct-to-panel printing. They can print directly on to whatever material you like and skip the mounting process which is cost efficient. It may be worth the time you spend mounting and trimming yourself. I wrote about this in a recent newsletter which you can access here: http://www.jgoldfeld-design.com/newsletter/

    -------------------------------------------
    Johanna Goldfeld Design, LLC
    Graphic and Exhibition Design
    Tel: 718-789-1238

    Visit my website: www.jgoldfeld-design.com
    Sign up for my newsletter:
    Pointers - Tips, ideas, and inspiration from the world of exhibition and graphic design

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    AAM Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo, Baltimore, May 16-19, 2024, click to learn more