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Best materials for mounting display panels
Hey guys,
I have a couple of quotes for fabicating new permenant display panels in the local museum and I've been getting a lot of information (some conflicting, some not) on the best material to use as backing for these display panels. So far they include:
MDF- cheap but problematic in the low emissions of Formaldehydes. Formaldehyde-free MDF is apparently available but I don't know of any suppliers.
Plywood- This has come thorugh one one quote but I haven't found any infromation on its positives or negatives for conservation.
PVC- very cheap and I understand rigid PVC doesn't contain phthlalate plasticisers that can emit trace amounts of acids. That said, I'm worried there might be other problems with this material.
None of these panels will be in direct contact with museum materal but nonetheless I want to make the responsible choice.
Can anyone lend me any advice?
I have a couple of quotes for fabicating new permenant display panels in the local museum and I've been getting a lot of information (some conflicting, some not) on the best material to use as backing for these display panels. So far they include:
MDF- cheap but problematic in the low emissions of Formaldehydes. Formaldehyde-free MDF is apparently available but I don't know of any suppliers.
Plywood- This has come thorugh one one quote but I haven't found any infromation on its positives or negatives for conservation.
PVC- very cheap and I understand rigid PVC doesn't contain phthlalate plasticisers that can emit trace amounts of acids. That said, I'm worried there might be other problems with this material.
None of these panels will be in direct contact with museum materal but nonetheless I want to make the responsible choice.
Can anyone lend me any advice?
Views: 87
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Rosemary on -
what about Foamcore. It is lightweight and durable, but depends on what iit is supporting and size.
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Permalink Reply by Moss Alexander Wilson on -
Some of the panels may need to support artefact boxes. I'm not sure how much weight Foamcore can take.
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Permalink Reply by Benjamin Hames on -
Sorry for the late response, only just came across this forum. Thought I'd post a response anyway as others may find it helpful. I would suggest looking at DIBOND Panels, we have had great success with this product.
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Permalink Reply by Karri Roberts on -
By the way I have used DIBOND in my industry (military) and it has supported some quite hefty weights for significant periods of time. The cost is higher than foamcore or MDF, but it performs better. Can't vouch for the acid leak as we aren't necessarily worried about that. PVC based materials will leak over time but we have museums all over the country that use them without issue as long as the product has no permanent contact. Again, remember these are military grade materials not necessarily museum artefacts. Hope you are well. Only issue is I've found DIBOND not as versatile as MDF. Remember you can treat MDF with acid reducing structures, or coat as required where DIBOND is difficult to prime or pose (in my experience - anyone with other experiences are welcome to comment?)
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Permalink Reply by Stephen Thompson on -
There are a few "zero-formaldehyde" MDF manufacturers like Z-mdf. i think all are imported from O/S (thus alot more $). The Powerhouse Museum workshop dosen't like it as much as its harder to work. Not sure where to get it but Designcraft in Canberra imports alot for their high end showcases and they might be able to give you some info.
www.designcraft.net.au/distribution-list.asp
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