Waviness on Framed Prints

[allyouzombies]

Hey all,

A few months back I had two posters professionally framed: Stout's LTROI variant, and Moss's Lawrence of Arabia. Shortly after I got them back I noticed the Stout had a small wave in it, but it didn't really bother me. Since then, however, it's gotten worse:







I know older Stouts are prone to this, but I've also noticed it on my Lawrence of Arabia (couldn't get a good photograph showing it, and it's not nearly as severe).

My question is this: is there anything that can be done about it? Would it do any good to take it back to the framer? I'm trying not to be anal about it, but I can't un-see the waves whenever I look at them, especially the Stout. But I'm wondering if this is a result of a poor frame job, or just the fact that they're older prints.

[alittle]

How is it mounted? Tough to tell from the photos.

[trarex]

Thick ink , cheap paper, humidity

[golobulus]

There doesn't appear to be a mat. I think that would help significantly.

[MillerTime04]

i remember my first wave. first tell us how they're mounted to the backing

[allyouzombies]

i remember my first wave. first tell us how they're mounted to the backing

That's a good question. I'll be honest, I don't know...

[bryndavies]

The one stout I have framed has the same thing. I thought it was a combo of heavy ink, humidity and the tightness of the joints in the frame. I think a thread like this pops up every year, and I think peace dog mentioned it could have a lot to do with the frame.

[rubberneck]

Bring it back for correction, framer if reputable will resolve it.

[ceevee]

Paper is constantly growing and shrinking as the environment changes. Framing needs to account for this.

Are there spacers in your frame?

[allyouzombies]

Paper is constantly growing and shrinking as the environment changes. Framing needs to account for this.

Are there spacers in your frame?

These are questions I should know the answers to. I suck.

Bring it back for correction, framer if reputable will resolve it.

Is there a specific mounting type I should request?

[alittle]

Matting will help with the waving, but it would require a total reframe as there isn't any room in the frame to fit a mat.

[allyouzombies]

Almost year-later update on this!

I took these two prints back to the framer, and they told me they had been conservation-mounted with tape so as to preserve them. The guy basically said that the only other option was to drymount them (which he advised against because of their value) - otherwise I should just accept that they'll have the wavyness but at least they'll be preserved.

Does this sound like the best course of action, friends?

[triporfreak]

I'd say he should not have used any tape, conservation or otherwise, without your permission. & drymounting? how about mylar photo corners with a nice cotton rag matte, then seal up the frame so no moisture gets in. also, keep your homes' humidity in the 30-50 range...

[hogie777]

I'd say he should not have used any tape, conservation or otherwise, without your permission. & drymounting? how about mylar photo corners with a nice cotton rag matte, then seal up the frame so no moisture gets in. also, keep your homes' humidity in the 30-50 range...

Is there a downside to mounting with conservation tape? I think I have a bunch of pieces that are done like that

[triporfreak]

if it rice or wheat paste it is easily removable, but I've seen plenty of prints with conservation tape & when people have tried to remove it can/does leave a little paper loss.

not that's it bad, but any solid framer should tell you first if they plan on using it. personally, I don't allow it.