Serigraphs

[framergirl]

How do you flatten a serigraph Limited Edition print without damaging the texture on it. For those of you wondering what it is, it is a limited edition that has the texture of almost being painted like an oil, but on paper. I've gotten 4 in and since they are on heavy paper and have been shipped in the tube, upon trying to frame them, they bubble up (since they are huge)through the opening of the matting. How do you flatten out (besides putting under glass for lengths of time)???

Another question needing your expertise???? Thanks in advance!

 

[preservator]

The ink on a serigraph can be fragile and the
safest thing to do is to put it in a folder at
the bottom of a map file drawer and leave it
until it is flat enough for framing. Heat may
change the ink and moisture may make the paper
around the printe area respond differently from
that paper under the printing. Slow flattening
gives you the most control and safety.

Hugh

 

[Framerguy]

Somebody oughta just thrash the idiot that sent you 4 serigraphs rolled up in a tube!!

I would be tempted to call the print distributor and tell them that I am shipping back their rolled up prints and would like replacements shipped in a flat box. The time saved in the long run would be worth the wait time for replacements to be shipped to you in half way decent condition.

Framerguy

 

[Rebecca]

Just an additional observation - moisture can also cause the ink to crack. If you can't get replacements, and leaving them under even weight (as Hugh suggests)does no good, the client may need to live with the center of the print bulging out a bit. Perhaps you could add some strageticly spaced pass through hinges in the bulging areas?

Rebecca

 

[gemsmom]

I would do as Hugh suggested. When I get art, posters, whatever in, that needs to be flattened, that is what I do until I am ready to work on it.

Most original art is not flat, anyway. I just had a man bing in an original watercolor and asked me if it would be flat after it is framed. I get this question all the time. People have to understand that when they have an original, it is not going to look like a poster after it is framed. It will have some waves, and I consider that part of the beauty of having an original. I explain this to them. I tell them it will look FLATTER, but it will never be perfectly flat. And how it looks will change with the environment. If they want flat, they shouldn't be buying original art. If they expect flat, and don't get it, they blame the framer. Best to go over all of this when it comes in the door.

 

[framergirl]

I agree with the suggestions and will probably just lay it flat for about a week. This customer buys these off of ebay or at art shows. I will suggest them insisting on shipping flat pieces. Thanks for all your expertise!