Plaque Mounting

Plaque mounting is the process by which an image is laminated onto a substrate and then hung on the wall, much like a picture frame. A substrate is generally a sturdy material like masonite, hardboard, cintra, foamcore or medium density fiberboard (MDF). In plaque mounting, an image is first glued to the substrate. This kind of mounting can be done with anything made of paper or light cardstock. Then the substrate is cut to size, covered with laminate film and placed in a press to be cured by heat. After the mount has cooled and set, the edges can be beveled to create decorative or colored edges. Finally, a hole will be cut into the back of the mount with a router so that it may be hung on the wall.

Die Cast Bronze Plaque Mounts

Plaque mounts are especially beautiful when die cast in bronze. This method creates a raised image that is affixed to a wooden or stone mount and these kinds of bronze plaques are made to commemorate a variety of things. Most popular are noble professions like fire-fighting and police work as well as government agencies and the military.

Antler Mounting Plaque

One great way to commemorate and celebrate a hunting expedition is with plaque mounting. By using this method, the antlers of a kill like deer or elk can be permanently mounted and hung on the wall to remind the hunter of his experience and the life of the creature that gave the hunter meat and hide as well as story.

How To Make A Plaque For Skull Mounts

The beginning of this kind of project starts with the selection of the wood being used for the plaque mount. Pine and oak have beautifully varied grain, and woods like walnut, willow, and cherry are strong and beautifully colored. You will want to design the shape of the plaque mount on paper before cutting the wood in any shape that you think appropriate. Popular shapes for skull and antler mounting include diamonds, circles, shield shapes and many others. With wood and shape selection, it is always a good idea to take the animal’s natural habitat into consideration.

Draw the shape on the wood you have selected before cutting and be sure to cut a little outside the line you have drawn. Next use a sander or a router to round off the edges of the mount. Stain or varnish the wood according to the wood you selected as well as the color of the thing to be mounted. For example, very dark antlers will look best against a medium or light stain and vice versa. And finally, rout out a hole in the back of the mount for hanging on the wall, and keep in mind that if the finished product will be very heavy, you may want to consider multiple holes (use a level to ensure they are straight).