A tacking iron is a heated tool used in photographic mounting to temporarily adhere part of dry mounting tissue to a print and its mounting board. By applying gentle heat, the tacking iron activates the adhesive, holding the print in place before the full mounting process is completed.
Tacking irons are commonly used in darkroom and fine art print presentation, ensuring that prints are accurately positioned without wrinkles or bubbles. Mastery of this tool helps photographers and printmakers achieve professional, clean, and long-lasting mounted images.