Supplies needed for the Dry-Mount Process
- Surface This demonstration shows Omni Artboard. I also use this method for mounting paper to our Masonite surfaces.
- Watercolor paper or Decorative Paper cut slig
htly larger than the surface to which it will be applied.
RB Gilded Stenciling & Stamping Adhesive - PH Neutral (better than acid-free)
Small (2") dense foam roller* You can use a larger roller but it will absorb more adhesive. Available at any hardware store. - Rubber Brayer optional
- Sharp Craft Knife & Cutting Mat
Method
Make sure the surface is clean and dry. Use the 2" roller* to coat the surface with RB Gilded Stenciling & Stamping Adhesive. Make sure the coverage is complete and extends to all edges. Place the roller in plastic wrap to hold it. Allow the adhesive to dry. It will turn clear and be tacky to touch.
Apply a coat of adhesive to the back of the paper surface as well and allow it to dry. You can either clean the roller or discard it or make the most of it and find other things that you want to prepare and coat those while you have an adhesive-filled roller at hand.
Apply a coat of adhesive to the back of the paper surface as well and allow it to dry. You can either clean the roller or discard it or make the most of it and find other things that you want to prepare and coat those while you have an adhesive-filled roller at hand.

Creating a Clean Edge


Creating a Deckle Edge
To create a deckled edge you need to ear the paper. Special rulers or templates are available for this but I typically use my fingers as a guide. The paper may be torn before applying the adhesive or after mounting.
The finished watercolor paintings shown at the top of the page were mounted on Omni Artboard tiles after completion. The excess paper was then torn away along the perimeter of the tile.
With the mounted paper face up, find the edge of the hard surface with your fingers. Place you fingers along the edge to keep the paper from tearing too far into the painting. Pull up on the paper that is being removed to expose a white edge. A deckle edge mimics the irregular edge of handmade paper and is not straight. Guide the tear with your fingers to produce the uneven edge.
The finished watercolor paintings shown at the top of the page were mounted on Omni Artboard tiles after completion. The excess paper was then torn away along the perimeter of the tile.
With the mounted paper face up, find the edge of the hard surface with your fingers. Place you fingers along the edge to keep the paper from tearing too far into the painting. Pull up on the paper that is being removed to expose a white edge. A deckle edge mimics the irregular edge of handmade paper and is not straight. Guide the tear with your fingers to produce the uneven edge.
Suggested uses for the dry-mount method
- The dry-mount method lends itself to projects that will not get wet if the painting is not sealed or offered any protection. Certain types of paintings or projects can be sealed for further protection.
- Surfaces that may be harmed by moisture such as cardboard, matboard or paper work well as hard substrates.
- Decorative mats can be created by dry-mounting paper to the front before cutting the mat.
- Repurpose a sturdy box with nice form but marred by a logo or product text. Don't you hate to throw those cute boxes away?
- Cover books so they can be repurposed or use as a decorating element in your home.