Cracking prints can be a frustrating issue for artists and collectors alike. Fortunately, there are several effective methods to prevent prints from cracking, primarily involving proper handling, appropriate framing, and controlled environmental conditions. By understanding the causes of cracking and implementing preventative measures, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your artwork.
Why Do Prints Crack and How Can You Stop Them?
Print cracking occurs when the ink or the paper substrate experiences stress, leading to visible fissures. This stress can stem from a variety of factors, including physical handling, environmental fluctuations, and the quality of materials used in the printing process. Addressing these root causes is key to preserving your prints.
Understanding the Causes of Print Cracking
Several factors contribute to prints developing cracks over time. Understanding these will help you take the right precautions.
- Paper Flexibility and Brittleness: Different paper types have varying degrees of flexibility. Older papers or those with a high lignin content can become brittle. This makes them more susceptible to cracking when bent or folded.
- Ink Layer Thickness and Type: Thick ink layers, especially in certain printing methods like screen printing, can become brittle as they dry. If the ink layer is too thick and the paper flexes, the ink can fracture independently of the paper.
- Environmental Factors: Extreme changes in temperature and humidity are major culprits. Paper expands and contracts with moisture and heat. If this movement is uneven or too rapid, it can stress the ink and paper, leading to cracks.
- Physical Handling and Stress: Simply touching, rolling, or bending a print can cause micro-fractures. Even seemingly minor stress over time can accumulate and result in visible cracking. This is especially true for unframed prints.
- Aging and Degradation: Over long periods, the chemical components in both the ink and paper can degrade. This natural aging process can weaken the materials, making them more prone to cracking.
Best Practices for Preventing Print Cracking
Implementing a few key strategies can significantly protect your prints from cracking. These methods focus on gentle handling, stable environments, and proper preservation techniques.
1. Proper Handling Techniques
How you touch and move your prints matters immensely. Always treat them with the utmost care.
- Wear Cotton Gloves: Always wear clean, white cotton gloves when handling prints. This prevents oils and dirt from your hands from transferring to the paper. It also provides a slightly grippier surface.
- Support the Entire Print: Never hold a print by its edges or corners. Use two hands to support the entire sheet from underneath. This distributes weight evenly and prevents bending.
- Avoid Folding or Rolling: Never fold a print. If you must roll it for transport or storage, do so loosely with the printed side facing outwards. Use acid-free tubes for rolling.
2. Optimal Storage and Display Conditions
The environment where your prints are stored or displayed plays a crucial role in their longevity. Stable conditions are paramount.
- Control Humidity and Temperature: Aim for a stable environment with relative humidity between 40-50% and a temperature around 70°F (21°C). Avoid attics, basements, and garages, which experience drastic fluctuations.
- Protect from Light: Direct sunlight and even strong artificial light can degrade paper and inks over time. Display prints away from windows or use UV-protective glass in frames.
- Use Acid-Free Materials: Always use acid-free backing boards, mats, and mounting materials. Acidic components can leach into the print, weakening the paper fibers and making them brittle.
3. Professional Framing for Protection
Framing is one of the most effective ways to protect your artwork from damage, including cracking.
- Archival Framing: Invest in archival framing. This means using acid-free mats and backing, as well as UV-filtering glass or acrylic.
- Proper Mounting: Ensure the print is properly mounted within the frame. It should not be pressed too tightly against the glass. A small air gap or a mat can prevent sticking and allow for slight paper expansion.
- Consider Breathing Room: For some prints, especially those with thick impasto-like ink layers, a float mount can be beneficial. This allows the print to be mounted on a backing board with a small space around the edges, providing extra support and preventing stress.
4. Material Quality Matters
The initial quality of the print itself significantly impacts its susceptibility to cracking.
- High-Quality Paper: Opt for prints made on archival-quality paper. These papers are typically acid-free and buffered, offering better stability and resistance to degradation.
- Durable Inks: Some inks, like pigment-based inks, are generally more durable and less prone to cracking than dye-based inks, especially when exposed to light and environmental changes.
What to Do If Your Print Starts to Crack
If you notice early signs of cracking, immediate action can sometimes mitigate further damage.
- Gentle Flattening: If a print is slightly creased or starting to lift, you might attempt to gently flatten it. Place the print face down on a clean, dry surface. Cover it with a sheet of acid-free paper. Then, place a heavy, flat object (like a book) on top. This should be done with extreme care.
- Consult a Professional: For valuable or delicate prints, it’s always best to consult a professional art conservator. They have the expertise and tools to address damage without causing further harm.
Common Questions About Print Preservation
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions regarding the care and preservation of prints.
### How can I flatten a cracked print without causing more damage?
Flattening a cracked print requires extreme caution. Lay the print face down on a clean, dry surface, and cover it with acid-free paper. Gently place a heavy, flat object on top, ensuring even weight distribution. For valuable prints, professional conservation is highly recommended to avoid irreversible damage.
### Is it safe to roll up a print for storage?
Rolling a print should be a last resort and done with care. Always roll the print loosely with the printed side facing outwards to prevent the ink from cracking. Use a sturdy, acid-free tube for storage and avoid tight rolling, which can stress the paper and ink.
### How long do archival prints typically last?
Archival prints, when stored and displayed under optimal conditions, can last for 100 years or even much longer. This longevity is due to the use of acid-free materials, stable inks, and protective framing that shields them from light and environmental damage.
### Can humidity cause prints to crack?
Yes, humidity is a significant factor. High humidity can cause paper to expand, and subsequent drying can cause it to contract. These fluctuations can stress the ink layer, leading to cracking. Maintaining a stable relative humidity between 40-50% is crucial for print preservation.
Next Steps for Protecting Your Prints
Taking proactive steps now will ensure your prints remain in excellent condition for years
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