Why move away from spray mount?
Spray adhesive has been a studio staple for years, but it comes with drawbacks: overspray settles on desks, floors and nearby work; aerosols release fumes, so good ventilation or a spray booth is needed; and it is hard to get an even coat, which can leave patchy adhesion or visible texture under thin papers. Many studios, schools and offices now prefer methods that put adhesive only where it is needed.
Pluss offers two well-proven alternatives: Xyron, which we introduced to the UK in 1996, and Rollataq, introduced by Pluss in 1994. For a side-by-side look, see Xyron vs spray mount.
Option 1: Xyron dry adhesive
Xyron is a non-electric, turn-a-handle system. You feed your item in, turn the handle, and it comes out with an even layer of adhesive on the back, ready to peel and stick. Choose repositionable adhesive if you want to adjust placement, or permanent adhesive (high tack, low tack or acid-free) for a lasting bond. Some cartridges add a laminate to the front in the same pass.
- Choose your machine by width: the Xyron 1250/55 for up to A3, the Xyron 2500 for up to A1, or the Creative Station for A4 and craft work.
- Load the right adhesive cartridge or roll (see choosing a Xyron cartridge).
- Feed the artwork in face up and turn the handle steadily until it clears the rollers.
- Cut the item free and trim away the excess backing.
- Peel the backing away, position the artwork on your board and smooth it down from the centre outwards.
Option 2: Rollataq cold liquid adhesive
Rollataq applies a clear, micro-thin coat of water-soluble EVA adhesive. It is cold, odourless, non-toxic and acid-free, and stays repositionable for up to about three minutes, so you can position work precisely before burnishing it to a permanent bond. It is popular with photographers, framers and medical illustrators. See our step-by-step Rollataq guide.
Which method suits you?
| Xyron | Rollataq | |
|---|---|---|
| Adhesive type | Dry adhesive film on a cartridge or roll | Cold, water-soluble liquid EVA adhesive |
| Power | None needed, hand operated | 300 Handheld manual; desktop models motorised |
| Repositioning | With repositionable adhesive | Up to about 3 minutes before burnishing |
| Extras | Can laminate and add adhesive in one pass | Acid-free, non-yellowing, waterproof when dry |
| Typical users | Studios, offices, schools, sign and PoS work | Photography, framing, medical illustration |
Tip: Whichever method you use, work on a clean, dust-free surface and smooth from the centre outwards. A trapped speck of dust shows up clearly under thin or glossy prints.
Talk to us
Not sure which system fits your workload? Call the team on 01252 624411 or email sales@landoruk.com for advice, current pricing and availability.