FAQ | Clapp & Tuttle

Common Conundrums

There are certain issues that we see time and again with items that have been hanging for many years in private and public collections. Here are a few for you to look for in your home, with possible solutions we can provide.

1 | Hazy film on the inside of glass

2 | Yellowed mat bevel/yellow staining on art near bevel

3 | Wavy paper

4 | Faded colors

5 | Oil painting is cracking and/or lifting

6 | Oil painting has a tear/puncture

Anchor 1

Hazy film on the inside of glass

Outgassing occurs when materials are chemically unstable. When outgassing occurs within a frame, an unsightly hazy film develops on the inside of the glass and this reduces the appearance of color saturation, contrast and clarity. We most often see this on silk screens or paintings that were placed behind glass shortly after they were created. It can be liberating to see the artwork clearly after years of foggy vision.

Correction: Open the frame, clean the glass, and refit. Remember to take this opportunity to check the other components of the framing for archival quality.

Anchor 2

Yellowed mat bevel/yellow staining on art near bevel

Older mats often contain wood pulp, which is acidic. This acidity is causing a yellow stain at the very edge of the bevel on your artwork. This stain is common and it’s slowly but actively embrittling your paper. This yellow is not only unsightly, but it's where the paper can become most likely to break apart.

Correction: Paper conservation treatment can usually reduce the appearance of the stain and prevent further embrittling of the paper. Matting should be replaced and the artwork remounted if necessary, regardless of whether paper conservation is pursued.

Anchor 3

Wavy paper

We refer to this as cockling, and it can occur for many reasons. Exposure to moisture, a frame or a mount that is restricting the paper, or even the paper having been rolled up at some point can cause this. Paper is often rolled for transport reasons, and causes the fibers of the paper to be pushed together or pulled apart. These fibers never fully return to their original placement, and even with treatment it may tend towards cockling. A little bit of cockling can be charming and feel authentic, but too much can feel like damage.

Correction: Some items can be dry mounted or trimmed. These corrections are considered permanent, and should not be used on items with a high monetary or cultural value. Alternatively, paper can be flattened and the mount can be corrected, the rabbet of the frame can be widened, or the frame replaced.

Anchor 4

Faded colors

Colors fade from exposure to natural and artificial light. Regular picture glass protects from dust, but does not protect from UV rays.

Correction: The fading cannot be reversed, but it can be slowed by using a UV protective glass or acrylic when framing. It is still important that your vulnerable items be positioned away from direct light, as even the most protective options only block up to 99% of UV rays and there are other spectrums of harmful light. Remember, light exposure doesn't just fade colors, it can also increase the onset of certain staining.

Anchor 5

Oil paint is cracking and/or lifting

Oil paint is usually applied over a prepared surface made of multiple layers, and each material expands and contracts at different rates with changes in temperature and humidity. This can lead to cracks in the surface of oil paintings. You should examine your oil paintings for this regularly. The paint lifts where the cracks are present, and if not stabilized they may even fall off.

Correction: Oil paintings on canvas can be stabilized by infusing a bonding agent through the back of the canvas. Conservators have used wax for this in the past, but today they prefer an adhesive. Oil paintings on impervious surfaces are stabilized by injecting the bonding agent meticulously behind each lifting piece. After your painting has been conserved, it is important to hang it in a stable climate when possible, on inside walls and away from heating ducts.

Anchor 6

Oil painting has a tear/puncture

Accidents happen, and sometimes they happen to your art. Punctures or tears can occur during moving or hanging oil paintings, and are more likely to occur if the canvas exposed.

Correction: Threads of the canvas can be woven back together or a patch can be applied. The remaining voids are filled, and isolated in-painting is applied to conceal the repair. Fitting the painting with a protective backing can help prevent damage from occurring in the future.

Get in touch with us

Is there a question or concern that is not addressed here? Please reach out to us or stop by the shop, and we will be happy to provide assistance.