If you've ever stood in front of the 3M adhesive range and wondered what the difference actually is - you're not alone. It's one of the most common questions we get asked at Graphics Direct. The product names don't give much away, and using the wrong one for a job can mean things not sticking, damage to artwork, or a result that simply doesn't hold up.
This guide explains exactly what each product in the 3M spray adhesive range is designed for - so you can pick the right one with confidence, every time.
The 3M spray adhesive range at a glance
- Spraymount - repositionable, low-tack, ideal for paper and layout work
- Photomount - permanent bond for photographs and photographic prints
- Displaymount - strong permanent bond for mounting to foam board and rigid substrates
3M Spraymount - Repositionable and Low-Tack
Spraymount is the most versatile adhesive in the range and the one most creative professionals reach for first. It creates a low-tack, repositionable bond - meaning you can apply it, position your material, and adjust it before the bond fully sets.
It's ideal for:
- Paper, card and tissue overlays in layout and presentation work
- Temporary mounting where you may need to reposition or remove the piece later
- Studio and studio preparation work where clean removal is important
Spraymount is not suited to heavy or permanent mounting applications. If you need a bond that will last - particularly on heavier materials or for display use - you'll want Displaymount or Photomount instead.
⚡ Pro tip
Apply Spraymount in a well-ventilated area and hold the can 20–25cm from the surface. Too close and you'll get a heavy, uneven application; too far and you'll lose bond strength.
3M Photomount - Permanent Bond for Photographs
Photomount is designed specifically for mounting photographs and photographic prints. It creates a permanent, archival-quality bond that won't yellow, bleed through or damage the print surface over time - which makes it the right choice whenever the quality of the finished piece matters.
It's ideal for:
- Mounting photographic prints for display, framing or portfolio presentation
- Photography studios, print finishing and repro work
- Any application where archival quality and a clean, flat finish are important
Unlike Spraymount, Photomount is a permanent bond. Once contact is made, repositioning is not possible - so take care with positioning before pressing the print down.
⚡ Pro tip
If you're mounting a large print, apply adhesive to both surfaces for a stronger, more even bond. Apply in a single smooth pass and avoid going back over areas you've already sprayed.
3M Displaymount - Strong Bond for Display and Exhibition Work
Displaymount is the workhorse of the 3M range for professional display and exhibition mounting. It creates the strongest permanent bond of the three main adhesives and is specifically designed for mounting prints, graphics and artwork to foam board, card, MDF and other rigid substrates.
It's ideal for:
- Exhibition and display graphics mounted to foam board or rigid panels
- POS (point of sale) materials and large-format display work
- Any application where the mounted piece needs to hold its position on a rigid surface over time
Displaymount is a permanent bond - once it's down, it's down. Make sure your positioning is correct before spraying, and apply in a controlled environment to avoid overspray on the substrate edges.
⚡ Pro tip
For large display graphics, use a straight edge or registration marks to align before pressing down. Displaymount gives you a very short repositioning window - much shorter than Spraymount - so work methodically from one edge to the other.
Quick Reference - Which 3M Adhesive for Which Job?
|
Product |
Best for |
Bond type |
|---|---|---|
|
Spraymount |
Paper, layouts, overlays, temporary mounting |
Repositionable / low-tack |
|
Photomount |
Photographs, photographic prints, archival work |
Permanent / archival |
|
Displaymount |
Foam board mounting, exhibition & display graphics |
Permanent / strong |
A Note on Ventilation and Spray Booth Maintenance
All 3M spray adhesives require adequate ventilation. This isn't just a health and safety requirement - poor ventilation affects the quality of the bond as well as the working environment.
If you use spray adhesives regularly in an enclosed or semi-enclosed space, a spray booth is the right investment. But spray booths only work effectively when their filters are clean. A clogged filter reduces extraction efficiency and, more seriously, creates a fire risk as adhesive particles accumulate.
How often you change your filters depends on how heavily you use them:
Recommended filter change intervals
Light use (a few cans per month) - every 3 months Regular studio use - monthly High volume or production use - every 2 to 3 weeks
Most people change their filters far less often than they should. If you're not sure when yours were last changed, it's worth checking now.
We stock replacement filters for most common spray booth sizes at Graphics Direct. If you let us know what booth you're running, we can confirm which filters you need.
Still Not Sure Which to Choose?
If you're working on a specific job and you're not certain which 3M adhesive is right for the application, just ask us. We've been supplying creative professionals across the UK for over 25 years and we can give you a straight answer based on what you're actually trying to achieve.
Reply to any of our emails, call us, or use the contact form on the site - we're a small team and we actually respond.
We're an authorised 3M re-seller.
We carry the full 3M spray adhesive range in stock at our York warehouse, with next-day delivery available on most orders.