Artwork that buckles in its frame is a common frustration for collectors. A rippled print is a disheartening sight. The causes are the surroundings and the way the picture was framed, and once you understand them the problem can usually be prevented.
Why artwork buckles
Humidity and temperature
Paper and canvas take up moisture from the air and give it back. In Britain's changeable climate, humidity shifts with the seasons, and these materials expand and contract with it. If the artwork has no room to move, it ripples or bulges.
Heavy ink makes it worse. In a screen print, or a piece of brush calligraphy, the inked and bare areas of the paper take up moisture at different rates.
Restrictive mounting
Artwork that is held rigidly cannot adjust. A print taped along all four edges is under tension, and when the paper expands it has nowhere to go but out of flat. Paper pressed directly against glass or acrylic is at risk too. Moisture trapped between them causes damp patches, and in time the paper can stick.
The frame and its contents
- Wooden frames can warp in damp conditions and squeeze the artwork.
- Backing boards that absorb moisture bow, and take the picture with them, especially in large frames.
- A fit that is too tight leaves no room for expansion, and the paper crumples at the edges.
How to prevent it
Hinge, do not tape
- T-hinges. Attach the artwork at the top only, with pH-neutral gummed paper tape or Japanese paper hinges. It then hangs naturally and can expand downwards and sideways.
- Use as little as possible. Two hinges at the top are usually enough.
Leave room to breathe
- A mount or spacers. A gap of even 2 to 3mm between the artwork and the glazing reduces condensation and stops the paper sticking. A double mount gives more.
- A deep enough frame. The rebate must take the glazing, mount, artwork and backing without compressing them.
Keep conditions steady
- Aim for a stable humidity of 40 to 50%. A dehumidifier helps in a damp room.
- Do not hang art in direct sunlight, above radiators or in bathrooms, where the temperature and humidity swing.
Choose the right materials
- Backing board. Use something rigid that resists moisture, such as acid-free foam board or conservation mount board. Very large pieces may need extra support behind.
- Mount. A mount holds the edges of the paper gently and evenly, and keeps it off the glazing.
- Glazing. UV-filtering glazing protects the picture from light, which also dries and weakens paper.
Adjust the design
- Float mounting. Thick or heavily textured paper can be floated on a supporting board with hidden hinges, so that nothing presses on its edges.
- Let it hang. A larger sheet hanging freely from its top hinges will sometimes smooth out minor ripples over time.
When buckling cannot be avoided
Some works, particularly watercolours and pieces with dense ink, cockle naturally because of what they are made of.
- Accept slight rippling. A gentle undulation is characteristic of original works on paper, and is not necessarily damage.
- Consult a professional. A paper conservator can humidify and flatten a valuable or sentimental piece safely. Do not try it yourself with an iron.
Common mistakes
- Household tape. It turns brittle, lets go and stains the paper.
- No spacers. Even an inexpensive frame is better with something to keep the picture off the glazing.
- Too much pressure. The tabs or clips at the back should hold everything snugly without pinching.
- Dry mounting anything valuable. Sticking a print down flat does stop it buckling, but it is permanent and destroys the value of original and limited-edition work.
With flexible mounting, well-chosen materials and steady conditions, framed art will stay flat. Britain's damp winters and warm radiators make it harder, but a well-designed frame protects as well as decorates.
EasyFrame offers a wide range of made-to-measure frames and mounts, and with long experience we can advise on the right choice for your artwork. Call us on 01234 856 501 or email sales@easyframe.co.uk. We are always happy to talk, whether or not you want to buy.