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PlaqDecor™
An Elegant Alternative to Framing
 PlaqDecor™ is a profitable new way to create stunning visual presentations from artwork of almost any kind. This imaginative process is a less expensive alternative to framing, but with an elegant, yet understated visual impact.
- An innovative new profit opportunity
- Pleasing aesthetic quality
- Low fabrication costs
- Ideal for commercial applications such as hotels, restaurants, etc.
- Use for prints, photos, diplomas, certificates, keepsakes
- Shatterproof and easy to clean
What Exactly is PlaqDecor? This special method of mounting artwork onto inexpensive medium density fiberboard, or MDF, creates an astoundingly pleasing visual presentation. PlaqDecor consists of any subject art mounted to 3/8" (9 mm) MDF, protected by a clear (or textured) overlaminate film. The edges of the mounting board are beveled and finished with a deluxe transfer foil (color-trim edging), which is available in dozens of colors and patterns.
 Less Expensive, But Not Less Impressive: PlaqDecor is significantly less expensive to fabricate than a comparable framed print, and many people actually prefer the look of PlaqDecor. Once you see it you'll know why! In addition to its great look, the glass-free surface makes PlaqDecor safer for environments such as bathrooms, kitchens, day care centers and waiting rooms.
PlaqDecor Variations: Float mount and flush mount presentations expand the possibilities for custom plaque products. Both concepts use 1/8" (3 mm) tempered hardboard such as Masonite™ as a substrate, minimizing total weight for larger images.
PlaqDecor Artwork Sources:
- Prints and posters
- Photographs
- Diplomas and certificates
- Drawings
- News clippings
- Maps
- 3-D items such as leaves and flowers
- And many others...
Low costs mean customers are more likely to preserve unconventional or unusual types of artwork, such as children's drawings. (Contact us for comparative cost analysis.)
Producing PlaqDecor
Creating a PlaqDecor is basically a two step process:
1. An art "sandwich" (laminate film on top, image in the middle and mounting tissue on the bottom) is dry mounted to 3/8" (9 mm) MDF or 1/8" (3 mm) tempered hardboard.
Note: Other substrates such as Kömatex® (expanded PVC) also yield excellent results. Contact us for a complete listing.
2. Bevel and finish the edges using standard power tools and paint brush, or automate the process with the DES-1 (automatic) Drytac Edge Finishing System.
PlaqDecor System Components
Materials
Drytac ArtShield™ UV laminate film: Available in a wide range of surface finishes, ArtShield™ HeatSet™ laminating films protect and enhance the surface of the artwork. The adhesive is initially low-tack, allowing for repositioning during mounting. Finishes include gloss, satin, matte, canvas, linen, etc..
Trimount™ dry mount tissue: Premium, multi-purpose dry mount tissue is permanent and breathable, perfect for mounting to MDF or tempered hardboard.
Note: For companies equipped with heated roller laminators, MHA™ is an alternative adhesive.
PlaqDecor finishing foils: Applied to the sides and beveled edges of MDF boards, thermal transfer foils are available in solid colors, wood grains, marble and other specialty patterns. For the most consistently professional look, finishing foils achieve the best result, but for low volume projects paint can be manually applied.
Equipment
In addition to some basic woodworking equipment like a table saw, you will need:
Low-Volume Production
Presses: For low-volume production environments, PlaqDecor can be mounted using most models of the Drytac hardbed, mechanical softbed or glass top heated vacuum presses.
Edge Finishing: For low-volume projects, PlaqDecor can be edge-finished manually using paint and masking tape.
Mid-Volume to High-Volume Production
Presses: For mid-volume to high-volume commercial businesses or for large format production work, PlaqDecor can be fabricated using either the Drytac 5198 Hydraulic Press or the Drytac 5151 Hydraulic Press.
Edge Finishing: The Drytac DES-1 Edge Finishing System is a unique production system for mid-volume to high-volume work. Simply insert the mounted plaque. The DES-1 system bevels the edges and then applies the colored edge foil creating a professional end product.
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