Need Help Fast

Create a Post
F

framesalot

Grumbler in Training
Joined
Oct 18, 2002
Posts
12
Loc
Columbus, NC
Business
Booth Framing Arts
I am going to FLA on Monday to fix some 28x55 pictures that have warped from humidity. We can re-attach the mats, no problem. We are retrofitting foam core in the back of each piece to keep it flush against the glass, but my concern is that the foam core won't be sufficient force for the size piece we're working with. However, I have no other bright, efficient ideas. Do you?
 
Welcome to the Grumble, framesalot.

You didn't supply much specific information about your project.

1. How deep is the rabbet in this frame?

You may be able to install some stiffer material than foamcore if there is enough room.

If you have enough depth in the frame rabbet and don't want to rebuild the frames, I wonder if Gater board wouldn't help to keep things in alignment. If the frames are warped WAY out of flat, you may have no choice but to rebuild them.

2. I am assuming that the frame and entire package have warped. Or has only the print and mats buckled?

If the frame is buckled badly, be aware of the fact that the glass may not fit into the rabbet correctly. And that won't bend very far if the frame is twisted badly.

3. Is there any possibility of rebuilding the frames out of new moulding and sealing the backs of the moulding with water based urethane?

It may not cure the problem but it could help to minimize warp in the future.

4. Are these frames old or recent? Old and not available anymore, you have no choice but to use what is there or change to a different profile.

5. Are they in a home near the beach or a large lake?

Wally Faye recently posted a good thread on what happens to framed art when it is hung in a beach front condo or home. Constant sea breezes, wet with mist, is worse than hanging art in a bathroom! The exposure to moisture is 24/7 in a beach front home and even the best framing may not hold up long under those extremes.

Just some questions to clarify the problem you face.

Framerguy
 
Welcome to sunny, wet, Florida, as well as the Grumble. From what I surmise, your problem originates from not allowing enough expansion room in the frame for the item when it was exposed to the change in humidity. In order to make this work you will need to make a larger frame or trim the work to allow for expansion. All the stiff backing in the world won't stop the work from cockling if subjected to the same environmental conditions that caused the problem in the first place.
The only way I know of to apply pressure to the back that will work over an extended period of exposure to varying environmental conditions is to build a crosswork of wooden substructure (cradling) and this will only work if the glazing is of enough strength to resist the pressure from the back. (Even this will not stop the work from cockling if it has no room to expand in the frame.)
If you can get the pieces flat again, and get them slightly dessicated, you might be able to employ sealed frame technology to control outside influences in the future.

Good Luck, and let us know how it goes.
 
Need more info: Are the frames warping, the mats buckling, the backboard bowing or wracking? If these pieces are hung with wire on one hook - perhaps the frame sides are being pulled in until they contact the glass. If this is the case, you have no allowance for expansion of the mats or backbaord. Also, If your fitting points are tight, you will hinder the free expansion and contraction of all the material in the frame. Expansion with no place to expand to will result in buckling. If you can get the humidity level to neutralize in all the materials, I would recommend "Tape Sealing" the art-glass-backing package to slow down any rapid changes of humidity in the frame package. Just some thoughts.
 
We are talking about purely "decorative", ie "worthless" items here I hope? Not art, collectibles, etc.? If these are in any way valuable, or potentially valuable, I hope you will take the art to a conservator for flattening, or at the very least consult with a conservator before attempting to flatten them yourself, and use Hugh's sealed frame technique when reframing.

Rebecca
 
I would definitely follow Wally's advice on the expansion/contraction issue. If your problem is bowing of the backings, another approach you might try is "Picture Tite", part of the frame support and bracing system product line made by Albin Products, and carried by United. This would help stabilize the frame, while applying pressure at selected point(s) across the central area behind the art/backings.

:cool: Rick
 
More info needed...if these are purely decorative pieces why not vacuum mount the pictures?

Could you use Coroplast as an extra filler? Since it's plastic, it shouldn't warp due to humidity changes.
 
Thanks everyone, especially Wally and Tom! The pieces were successfully repaired and I left our clients happy. I glued the mats back down with good old Elmers, trimmed the prints and mats to give them more breathing room, fit foam core in the back and taped the backs of the frames. I checked their lobby art while I was there and found pieces with a lot of mold on top of the backing paper as well as underneath. The manager of the hotel told me they think it's haunted, as a lot of weird things happen there and every sub who does work for the hotel has things go wrong that have never happened before...it was spooky. I appreciate the help very much!
 
Masonite; seal it with a good quality sealant, ie.
varnish, laquer etc. Use an acid free barrier such as 1/8". That is if they are not of a preservation quality art.

Jack Cee
 
Create a Post
Back
Top