At TR Trades, we specialize in the precise mounting of original artworks and prints to a wide range of substrates. Our mounting process securely adheres the original materials to the substrate using specialty adhesives and uniform pressure. Depending on the specific project, we employ different techniques to ensure optimal protection and long-lasting adhesion, tailored to the requirements of each job. Our mounted pieces are most often used on their own, for presentation boards, retail signage or permanent installations. For a more polished looks edge framing or wood frames can be applied before installation.
We utilize a variety of mounting machines and adhesives, selected based on the size, medium, and substrate to which the original is being mounted. This process demands both skilled technicians and a controlled, clean environment to achieve the best results.
Two common methods we use for mounting are Hot Mounting and Cold Mounting:
Hot Mounting:
In this process, a thin layer of adhesive is applied to the board, followed by placing the original artwork on top of the adhesive. The mounted piece is then inserted into a large heat press, similar to a panini press. The material is heated for a precise amount of time to ensure optimal adhesion. Once the timer expires, the board is cooled and cut to the desired size.
Сold Mounting:
This method involves a roll machine, where the print, adhesive, and substrate are fed through a set of rollers. Heat is applied during the process to assist in bonding the materials together, ensuring a secure mount without the need for heat press machinery.
Foamcore
Available in black & white
3/16” or 1/2”
Cost effective
Lightweight and easily cut material
Ideal for short term indoor applications
UltraBoard
Available in black & white
3/16″ or 1/2″
3/16″ or 1/2″
Denser foam product
Resists warping due to temperature and humidity changes better than traditional Foamcore
Lightweight and easily cut material
Ideal for indoor applications
Enviromount
Sustainable alternative
1/2″
Made primarily from renewable forest resources:
100% recyclable
Strong
Flat
Rigid and Dimensionally stable
White Enviromount
sustainable alternative
1/4″
Made primarily from renewable forest resources:
100% recyclable
Strong
Flat
Rigid and Dimensionally stable
Brown Enviromount
sustainable alternative
1/4″
Made primarily from renewable forest resources:
100% recyclable
Strong
Flat
Rigid and Dimensionally stable
Brown faces and brown insides giving a more natural look
White Enviroslim
sustainable alternative
3mm
10% post-consumer waste (PCW) content
100% recyclable
Bright white (97+)
Smooth finish
Dimensionally stable surface
Easy to cut and handle
Cardboard
sustainable alternative
1.5mm
Museum quality product
100% cotton fibre
Naturally acid free
Buffered with calcium carbonate
Sintra
Available in black & white
3mm
Rigid, lightweight board made of PVC
Low gloss matte finish
Strong
Easy to clean
Canvas Wraps
Available upon request
3/4” or 1.5”
Elegant appearance, perfect for interior decoration.
Seamless edges create a finished and professional look.
Lightweight material allows for easy installation and transport.
High-quality printing delivers detailed and vibrant colors.
Durable and fade-resistant for long-term use.
Plaques
Available upon request
1/2” or thicker
Durable and long-lasting material suitable for extended use.
Elegant appearance, perfect for awards, memorial plaques, and décor.
Resistant to scratches and environmental factors.
Suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.
Acrylic Transmount
Available upon request
3mm or thicker upon request
aka Plexiglass
Clear, smooth surface
Lightweight
TR Trades employs a team of highly skilled installers. Whether your project involves installing ten boards or 100, across a hospital or hotel, we leverage years of experience to ensure timely and cost-effective completion. Visit our Installation page to discover how our expert installers can efficiently handle even the most complex projects.
Senior Account Manager
McKenzie joined the TR team with a solid foundation of experience in the print industry. His career began in production, where he developed his skills in maintenance, operations and finishing. Quickly recognized for his talent, initiative and charisma, McKenzie was promoted to Production Lead. At the helm of the production team, he proved a natural leader and infected the team with his positivity and work ethic.
After building his knowledge leading the production team, McKenzie progressed into the Sales department, honing his sales skills under the leadership of Carla Duncan and TR’s customer focused approach. His natural penchant for customer service and dedication to quality assurance proved an ideal fit for the TR sales team where McKenzie now functions as Account Manager.
Never one to rest on his laurels, McKenzie enhanced his knowledge with sales courses at BCIT and can regularly be seen applying his skills throughout the shop. Don’t be surprised to find him supporting the finishing department, assisting clients at the front desk, or onsite ensuring installations surpass customer expectations.
Also goes by: Mac
Interesting fact about McKenzie: he can be found on Wikipedia
Best described in three words as: loyal, funny, and stubborn
Cannot live without: his back massager
Quote to live by: “When you look at someone through rose-coloured glasses, all the red flags just look like flags” – Wanda the Owl
CAD & eProject Manager
When you meet Bruce you automatically know he is a seasoned professional in the reprographics industry. Starting out as a driver for Hughes Owens Printing in 1978, he eventually transitioned to Trimen Blueprinting where he acted as a reprographics technician for 13 years. With the onset of the digital era in 2000, TR Trades hired Bruce as CAD Manager. Since then he has been an invaluable asset to the company and anyone who has questions regarding CAD plotting. When Bruce is not overseeing others in the CAD department, he spends countless hours troubleshooting client issues, unearthing customer print errors, and providing eProject software support. He is regularly looked to for printing advice by both coworkers and clients.
Bruce is also well versed in troubleshooting onsite issues and participating in client presentations, having assisted Carla and TR sales staff in many client meetings. If you’re looking for a history lesson on the print industry or if you want to optimize your drawings for print, you’ll want to call on Bruce. Many may not know, but Bruce is a musician at heart! He originally studied engineering and math, eventually realizing it was not the career path he wished to pursue. Following this, Bruce went on to complete both a music program and a piano technician program through Douglas College. During his spare time, you’ll find him creating music or acting as a vocalist in several bands. When he is not playing the guitar and recording music, you can find Bruce tinkering around on one of his computers or watching hockey.
Also goes by: Stretch
Best described as: Humble
Favourite place in Vancouver: Minnekhada, Coquitlam
Guilty pleasure: Audio software
Favourite TV show: Hockey
Ideal meal: Mac & cheese (with ketchup)
Cannot live without: Music
President
Having worked in the family business since before she can remember, Carla has a natural talent for helping clients reach their printing goals. Always an advocate for education, Carla completed the Marketing Management course at Kwantlen Polytechnic University and then obtained a degree in Business Administration from Simon Fraser University with a double major in Management Technology and Human Resources. And all of this is in addition to sales and marketing courses at BCIT!
Combining her extensive education with a lifetime of experience, Carla is a driving force behind the success of TR Trades. On a daily basis, she can be found anywhere in the shop, always striving to enhance client satisfaction. Her familiarity with our systems, equipment, and services make her uniquely capable of ensuring clients benefit from every possible way that TR Trades can help businesses grow.
Favourite place in Vancouver: None. She would rather be off the grid camping!
During her free time you can find her: riding her atv or dirtbike, camping in the wild, fishing off the West Coast, fishing in a river, or in her garden.
Ideal meal: steak and double stuffed potatoes
What gets her motivated in the morning: coffee and coming to work!
“If you’re looking for an alternative option to your current print supplier, please call my cell at 604.376.7803. I would love to speak with you about how we can help your business.
