How to Mount Prints with a Mat Cutter and Self-Stick Adhesive
By Firstcall Photographic | Published: 2026-10-20
Category: How-to Guides
Learn to mount photos and digital prints using a mat cutter and self-stick adhesive roll. Step-by-step guidance for clean, bubble-free results.
Quick answer
To mount prints cleanly, cut your mount board with a mat cutter, apply a self-stick adhesive roll to the back of the print, and then press the print onto the board using a roller or squeegee to avoid bubbles.
Why self-stick adhesive beats spray adhesive
Spray adhesives can be messy and hard to control, often leading to uneven coverage and overspray. A self-stick adhesive roll, like the Firstcall Gudy 802, offers a clean, dry alternative: you simply cut it to size and apply it to the back of your print. The adhesive is permanent and water-based, so it's safe for photos and inkjet prints, and it works on a variety of surfaces, including Forex boards.
The 23-micron polyester carrier makes the film dimensionally stable, which means it won't stretch or wrinkle during application—a common problem with spray-on adhesives.
Choosing the right mat cutter
A good mat cutter ensures clean, straight cuts on your mount board. The Logan Compact Elite Mat Cutter 350-1 is designed for medium usage and offers a 32-inch cutting capacity, which is enough for most prints. It includes a squaring mechanism to ensure your corners are perfect, and production stops for repeatable cuts—useful if you're mounting multiple prints at the same size.
If you're also trimming the print itself, a rotary trimmer like the Rotatrim Pro 18 provides a precise, safe cut. Its chromed steel cutting head is built to last, and the 18-inch capacity handles standard photo sizes up to 17 inches wide.
Step-by-step mounting process
- Cut your mount board: Using your mat cutter, cut the mount board to your desired size. Ensure the board is larger than the print, leaving at least a 1-inch border on all sides. Check that the board is square using the squaring mechanism on the mat cutter.
- Cut the adhesive film: Unroll the self-stick adhesive and cut a piece slightly larger than the back of your print. Trim off any excess with a craft knife or scissors. Cut the film to the exact size of the print to avoid adhesive sticking out from the edges.
- Apply the adhesive to the print: Peel the backing paper from the adhesive film and carefully place it onto the back of your print. Use a roller or squeegee to press it down firmly, working from the center outward to remove air bubbles. Work slowly to avoid wrinkles; if a bubble appears, lift the film and reapply.
- Position the print on the board: With the adhesive side down, place the print onto the mount board. Align it carefully before pressing down, as the adhesive is permanent and repositioning is difficult. Use a ruler to measure the borders to ensure the print is centered.
- Press and smooth the print: Using a roller or a clean cloth, press the print firmly onto the board, again working from the center to the edges to ensure full adhesion and eliminate any remaining bubbles. Check the edges for any lifting; press them down with extra care.
- Trim any excess: If the adhesive film extends beyond the print, trim it with a craft knife. You can also trim the mounted print to final size using a rotary trimmer if needed. Use a straightedge to guide your knife for a clean cut.
Tools we recommend
- Firstcall Gudy 802 Self Stick Adhesive Roll - 24in x 33ft: Firstcall Gudy 802 Self Stick Adhesive Roll - 24in x 33ft is a 23-micron polyester film with a permanent water-based polyacrylate adhesive, designed for indoor mounting on surfaces like Forex boards. It provides a clean, bubble-free mounting solution without the mess of spray adhesive, and the dimensionally stable film prevents wrinkles.
Firstcall Gudy 802 Self Stick Adhesive Roll - 24in x 33ft - Logan Compact Elite Mat Cutter 350-1: Logan Compact Elite Mat Cutter 350-1 offers a 32-inch cutting capacity, a squaring mechanism, and production stops for precise, repeatable cuts. It ensures your mount board is cut to exact dimensions, which is essential for a professional finish.
Logan Compact Elite Mat Cutter 350-1 - Rotatrim Pro 18: Rotatrim Pro 18 features a chromed steel cutting head and is built for robust, daily use, with a cutting length of 18 inches. It gives you clean, accurate trims on your prints, preventing frayed edges that can ruin a mounted piece.
