Many people who see ChromaLuxe metal photos for the first time, in addition to being amazed by the bright colors and 3D effect, will also turn over to be curious about how they are framed. Our metal photos are made of aluminum plates combined with aluminum frameless picture back hanging frames. They are light and flat. The front side does not require additional processing to show a bright effect, and there is no need to frame them with an external frame.
Many people exclaimed: "This is like an ultra-light version of crystal mounting!" Crystal mounting (Diasec) is a patented technique that adheres transparent acrylic to the surface of photographic paper, and is widely loved by international photography masters.
Although we do not provide crystal mounting services , let us now learn about this mounting technique that is popular in the international and Taiwanese markets: Diasec!
A brief introduction to crystal mounting Diasec video description
The above short video introduces the Diasec method. The time content is as follows:
- 0:28 What is crystal mounting?
- 0:48 The beginning of crystal mounting
- 2:00 International master Andreas Gursky is also a fan of crystal mounting
- 2:45 Things to note when ordering crystal mounting
- 3:40 Crystal mounting is a patented technique
In addition to the above video, we will also explain crystal mounting Diasec in detail in text so that friends who are interested can understand it better.
Diasec ® Introduction and production process
What is Diasec?
Crystal mounting (called Diasec® in English) is a professional mounting technique that uses highly transparent acrylic (PMMA, polymethyl methacrylate) to bond to the front surface of the photo. The final effect is that the work Colors are more vivid and details are sharper. Artwork is typically presented in a high gloss finish and contains UV protection to extend the life of the image.
The technique was originally developed by Swiss inventor Heinz Sovilla-Brulhart, who used a one-time, permanent adhesive to bond the photograph to acrylic, and then added a layer of aluminum-plastic plate on the back of the work to further strengthen the structure. Due to the high light transmittance of acrylic (about 90%-92%) and good refractive index, the final effect can show extremely vivid colors and delicate details, which is why many photographic artists advocate this technique.
In Taiwan, this technique is commonly known as crystal mounting. It is loved by photographers and art collectors and has become the preferred mounting method for showing modern and simple styles.
Diasec® Patented Technology and Production Process
Diasec uses liquid gel instead of transparent adhesive film to bond the image to the acrylic glass without bubbles.
- The back panel is usually made of aluminum, or transparent acrylic is used to achieve a backlight effect.
- Diasec gel has UV filtering function, is chemically stable, and can resist temperature and humidity changes, but the process is irreversible and the image cannot be repaired after the acrylic is damaged.
Diasec® is a patented technology owned by Diasec-Support BV in the Netherlands. To become a Diasec® certified framer, you must complete professional training and master the following:
- Special adhesive formula : This is the core secret of Diasec®, which ensures that the image is preserved for a long time without bubbles or degradation.
- Professional equipment and technology : Each process requires the use of special equipment for precise operation
- Quality Control : All mounting technologies must be rigorously tested and verified before they can be used for commercial activities under the Diasec® name.
Currently, no frame framing business in Taiwan has passed the Diasec® certification, so the so-called "crystal framing" in the Taiwanese market is a non-patented technology and cannot guarantee the same effect and durability as regular Diasec®.
International Applications of Diasec® Crystal Mounting
The Diasec® technology has been established on the international market for many years and many well-known photographic artists, such as Andreas Gursky, use this technique to present their works.
For example, his famous work 99 Cent II Diptychon from 2001 was produced using the Diasec® process and is 3 meters high and 2 meters wide. This work was sold at auction in 2017 for over $3 million, becoming a classic example of the combination of Diasec® crystal mounting technique and art.
Wiki also records that Diasec samples made in the 1970s showed almost no color shift, the white remained pure, and there was no sign of acid attack.
Patent Status of Diasec® Crystal Mounting
You may not know that Diasec® is a patented mounting technique. Diasec's patent has expired, however, many alternative techniques are still not available using genuine materials and equipment.
In 2009, the Dutch company " Diasec Support BV " was established to provide training and customized equipment, with materials supplied only by original Swiss manufacturers. To become a Diasec® certified framer, you must apply and complete professional training to master the following:
- Special adhesive formula : This is the core secret of Diasec®, which ensures that the image is preserved for a long time without bubbles or degradation.
- Professional equipment and technology : Each process requires the use of special equipment for precise operation
- Quality Control : All mounting technologies must be rigorously tested and verified before they can be used for commercial activities under the Diasec® name.
Reference: Diasec Wiki
Reference: "99 Cents Diptych No. 2"
Discussion on the Non-patented Crystal Mounting Method
Because Diasec® technology is only available to authorized vendors, many non-patented methods have emerged to try to mimic its effects. In other words, although we call it "crystal mounting" in Chinese, in the international market, most crystal mounting is done in an unofficial way. Different from the authorized Diasec crystal mounting method, non-patented crystal mounting shops will use other terms to express it. For example, White Wall Photo Lab and Yellow Corner call it Photo Print Under Acrylic Glass, and will not use the word Diasec.
Because these techniques are developed by the shops themselves, the technology and quality vary, and can be said to be uneven. Problems may easily arise due to improper materials or operation. Common problems include the following two:
- Acrylic material <br>High-quality acrylic is usually made of new materials, while low-quality acrylic may use recycled materials, resulting in excessive impurities, affecting transparency and preservation.
- Adhesive problems <br>Adhesives with poor airtightness will cause bubbles to appear in the adhesive layer, affecting the appearance and structural stability.
When we ordered crystal mounting works in 2018, we didn’t expect the knowledge involved was so profound. After a few years, the work deteriorates at an alarming rate. The originally beautiful works gradually deteriorate and can never regain their original glory. We feel deeply regretful about this experience, and we can't help but wonder how to explain it to ourselves, the company, and even the collectors?
Due to insufficient preparation and a lack of in-depth understanding of the technical details, I ended up wasting money but failed to obtain a work that would be preserved for a long time. Therefore, we strongly recommend that before ordering crystal mounted works, you must do your homework, carefully inquire about the mounting details, and choose a store with professional technology and reliable reputation to avoid repeating the same mistakes and leaving regrets!
Things to note when ordering crystal mounting
To avoid quality problems, it is recommended to ask the following details before ordering crystal mounting:
- Acrylic sheet : Is it a brand new material? Does it have high light transmittance?
- Adhesive quality : Is it a professional adhesive with good airtightness?
- Sharing of past implementations : You can ask the store about the preservation status of past works to understand their technical stability.
Comparison between crystal mounting and metal photos
Compared to crystal mounting, metal photos are known for their lightness and durability, making them suitable for long-term display and excellent preservation. Metal printing can achieve bright and three-dimensional effects without the use of acrylic or aluminum-plastic panels, and is also durable and non-fading. Metal impressions are a more cost-effective option for displaying work that needs to be lightweight and easy to install.
However, because crystal mounting uses art micro-spray paper to print works, the overall details will be clearer and the work will be more delicate. If the fineness of the work is the biggest consideration, we believe that crystal mounting will be a more suitable choice.
Conclusion
Crystal mounting (Diasec®) is a high-end technology for photographic and art mounting, but due to patent restrictions and uneven material quality, you need to be particularly cautious when purchasing. It is recommended to have an in-depth understanding of the relevant technology and the reputation of the merchant to ensure that the work can last forever and show the best visual effects.
I hope this detailed analysis can help you better understand crystal mounting techniques and their applications, so that you can make the most suitable choice when ordering works!
Finally, we would like to emphasize again that we are reporting this article with the spirit of researching media materials. We do not have any business related to crystal mounting !
