Warped Print

[Manny]

Hi there everyone. I wonder if someone out there could help us out.

I know and have heard that it is almost impossible to flatten a print out once it has absorbed humidity, however, maybe there is a way to flatten it.

Someone just now brought in a Bateman "At Mahale" which had picked up quite a bit of humidity by being in the back of a pickup truck while transporting ithere to have the glass replaced. This was not the greatest way to transport it, however, the damage is done. I have it under a cold press right now, but am not very hopeful. Are there any other suggestions?

Thank you,
Manny

 

[Rebecca]

Hi Manny -

I'm a paper conservator in Vancouver, and my method is to humidify the print using Goretex,and then press flat between dry blotters under weight, changing the blotters once or twice, leaving the print under weight for awhile. Misting the reverse and letting it relax for a bit under Mylar before pressing might also work, but it could also change the texture of the paper. Washing Bateman prints certainly does.

If your cold press doesn't work, and the client is interested, you can have them call me (e-mail me for the phone #) and I can run through run through options/price with them.

Or, other Grumblers may have different ideas.

Rebecca

 

[Manny]

Hi Rebecca

Thank you for your response to the warped print problem. After sitting in the cold press for a couple of days in an acid free envelope, the print has actually gone back to its original state, except for one very minor warp in a corner. The folder must have taken on the humidity. I will leave it for a while longer and see what happens. We will then check with the customer.

Again, thank you for your input. Also, in the past, we have had great difficulty finding someone like yourself with restoration experience. We will certainly keep you in mind from now on.

Manny

 

[Rebecca]

Hi Manny -

I'm glad it worked out for you! Sometimes the conservation gods are smiling.

Come visit when you're in town.

Rebecca