Diasec

Diasec is the registered trademark for the original method of face-mounting prints, such as photographs on acrylic sheet. The process was invented by Heinz Sovilla-Brulhart in 1969.

The great advantage of Diasec is that it is totally consistent. There is no risk of unavailability; the raw materials are always obtainable, but only from an official Diasec license holder. The process still uses the same gel and primer as inaugurated by Sovilla-Brulhart 46 years ago.

Because of the different light penetration and refraction of clear acrylic compared to normal glass, the colours are more brilliant and the image sharper than with standard glass in a picture frame.^[1] A Diasec mount is usually of a high gloss finish. Because the print is glued to the acrylic glazing, the result is a completely flat mount of the image.

The print is also protected against ultraviolet (UV) light. Diasec contains an inbuilt ultraviolet light filter.

Process

The process bonds the print without air bubbles or smears, because it uses fluid glue instead of a transparent adhesive film.^[2] The image is face mounted and stuck to the acrylic glass with an exclusive secret recipe primer and a special silicone sealant. Normally the mounted print is then placed on a carrier sheet. This is usually dibond, a composite plate of aluminium and plastic. Pure aluminium or other materials are also possible. If the print has to be backlit, translucent materials are necessary.

The Diasec gel is neutral curing and has an inbuilt ultra violet filter. It contains no plasticizers and is resistant to fungicidal, bacterial agents, and airborne pollutants. After curing, the whole airtight panel remains chemically inert and stable. The finished product remains flexible, enabling it to withstand changes in temperature and humidity, which affect works on paper. However, the process is irreversible and if the acrylic glass is damaged or scratched there is no way to salvage the print.

Nowadays, new Acrylic products can include anti abrasive surface coatings that prevent damage to these pieces of art.

Uses

The Diasec process is mostly used by artists and photographers to present their artwork. Andreas Gursky mounted "99 Cent II Diptychon", the most expensive photograph ever, on acrylic glass, probably with the Diasec process.

The Diasec process is sometimes used for billboards.

Diasec panels are backed with aluminium or dibond, reinforcing the rigidity of the finished picture and sealing the artwork from both sides. The Aluminium back also enables the attachment of sub-frames that allow the artwork to hang on the wall without a traditional picture frame.

Diasec samples that were made in the 1970s show negligible colour shift, the whites are still pure and there is no evidence of acid erosion visible.^[3]

Diasec patent

In the past the process was patented by the Swiss company Alrane Inventing AG in order to generate a brandname for the official licensee. To this day that self same process is only available to official license holders. The diasec patent^[4] has expired and a surrogate process is used by some mounting studios. However they cannot use the genuine Diasec ingredients or machinery.

The Dutch company "Diasec Support BV",^[5] was started in 2009 to support the Swiss licensor by offering training and custom made machines. Special fluids needed for the Diasec process are only available from the Swiss originators.

References

The official Diasec website ^[6] lists every licensed operative and their location.

• Canadian Patents Database Patent number CA 935135