Definitions of Print Flaws and Damage

By Ron Flynn

ACIDIC – The chemical base of a print has become highly acid mainly from: airborne pollutants, contact with improper matting and framing materials, and excessive handling without gloves. Acids will seep into the paper, discoloring it and weakening and deteriorating the paper fibers

CREASE – A sharp fold or crease in the paper. Could become a tear, or if in a corner, could result in paper loss.

CREASING or COCKLING – A wrinkled or puckered condition in a sheet of paper caused by non-uniform drying and shrinkage, or from excessive heat and humidity over time.

EMBRITTLED – a print that has become fragile or brittle due to excessive heat, dryness, acidity, or radiation from sunlight. This condition can so deteriorate the fibers of the paper that it would crack or crumble when handled.

FLACCID – A condition in which a print becomes limp or too flexible. It can be caused by excessive humidity, acidity or handling. The paper fibers can become so weakened or deteriorated that the print may simply fall apart upon handling.

FOXING – Foxing or fox marks are small round brownish spots that appear randomly on sheets of paper. They are most common on late 18th and 19th century papers. They look like the color of fox fur, thus the name. It is thought foxing originates with a fungus that reacts to the paper, or possible impurities incorporated in the paper during its manufac