Mounted

Could be bad framing. Were they done by a profetional?

Yeh probably is that. The one I've got the most issue with is on a wall that I know isn't great. Had trouble with roof leaking and made the cavity in the wall really damp. I would suggest moving it and see if it flattens out.

I would think so. A good flatten out would probably do it some good. If not a good restorer could probably fix easy enough. Let me know what you do I might try it on mine. 👍

I recognize this thread is a year old but could I ask if you figured out the problem and also a solution? I have noted that several of my prints (both mounted and floated by a “high end” gallery) are showing the same ripple effect. I have moved twice and they were shipped in a container across the ocean so possibly humidity was an issue at some point.

It doesn’t bother me much visually speaking but given the prints have magically increased in value over the years, I am wondering if leaving them as is could cause more damage? Any suggestions/ideas are appreciated in advance!

I have had prints flattened. You must send them to a paper conservator to give the print humidity treatments and then put into a press for 6-8 weeks. Should solve the problem.

This will surely be sucking eggs advice to most, but aside from damp one of the most common causes of rippling is cleaning the glass with windolene or some other spray. The seal at the bottom is not watertight, and the moisture + chemicals can run down and seap into the frame.

The chemicals evaporate .... And boom you have a little greenhouse. Combine this with changing temperatures, central heating and all the rest and your prints will go wavy.

Usually they just flatten out, though I had a silver gelatin photo that ended up with major damage due to this.

So... Only clean the glass with dry cloth, like a sunglasses cloth

Paper can expand/contract, as with any material, depending on the environment of where it is located and the time of year (based on temperature/humidity of the seasons, etc). Taking the framed piece from the frame shop, which is probably (hopefully) a well controlled climate, compared to where it is in your house, can be a big enough difference to cause the print to expand slightly.

If the framer does not leave room for potential expansion, that can cause waves in the print. Not only in terms of the height/width of the opening, but also if the space between the glazing and the back is too close. This is why you when you get a piece back from a professional framer and you are putting it on the wall, you may notice the print moving around a bit. This means the framer left enough room for any expansion.

You may want to check if your print is a bit too snug in the frame. Even the best of the best framers can miss on this every once in a while. There are so many different types of papers, they may underestimate it at times, especially if it is a paper that is less common/they are not as familiar with.