The Framers Forum

I have a frame back that I did a few months ago.
The paper which I remember was particularly heavy has cockled.
There are a few visible gaps between the frame and window mount which is why it is an issue.
Artwork is approx 600 x 600mm. It is hung in a front room on a sun wall so possibly a factor in temperature variation.
Paper is fixed with 2 t-hinges.
Any ideas for best way to mount to reduce the cockling?

Hi,

Gap between the frame and window mount? Just trying to image it. Any pics?

Gap between window mount and artwork as the paper is wavy. I can post a picture later.

maybe (if you have room) a bit of foam core at the back to tighten things? I heard that said before

Sometimes if you cut a piece of mountboard maybe 1/4" bigger than the window and fix it behind the undermount it gives just a little bit of 'push' and keeps the edges flat. Snip about 1" across the corners and it will sit better. The backboard will be curved very slightly and always be gently pushing against the edges of the window. If you are using a card backing board (not good old MDF. ) then it may have acquired a natural curve. The curve might be curving the wrong way. If you notice the back bowing out to any discernible degree, then you could try flipping it over.
Of course some heavy paper will never lay flat of it's own accord, but what I suggest will help a bit. It's a question of gentle persuasion. Too much will crimp the artwork edges and cause rippling in the middle.

It's not your fault it's cockled - I'd advise the customer s/he is probably screwed unless they want it dry or wet mounting and a new window mount, under mount and backing board. All paid for by the customer of course.

If it is a watercolour and the artist has not bothered to stretch the paper before doing the painting then it is hardly your fault.

There seems to be a myth among artists that by using a heavier paper they can get away without stretching it. This is simply untrue unless the watercolour is applied very "dry".

It is possible to flatten a watercolour in a dry mounting machine of the "Hotpress" type by pressing it against a sheet of damp mount board and I have successfully done this on a number of occasions. Instructions have been posted on here by Steve Goodall when he used to work for Hotpress. If you need them and cannot find them on here PM me and I will send you a copy.

Thanks featurepiece for the foamboard idea and prospero for the detailed explanation.I tried the mountboard slightly bigger than the artwork and squishing the mdf in. It has worked a treat (for now) so I'll hang onto it for a few days just to check.
Thanks again everyone.