Melted cel?

[chongfran]

I've tried to sell a cel until I flipped through my cel folder to realize that my cel has actually 'melted'!

Oil stains can be seen secreting out of the painting and also, staining some parts of the paper which is used to slot into those folder sleeves. As a result, the cel developed severe line fadings. And the paint looks soft to touch.

Is there no other way to remedy the cel? This is the first time I have ever seen a 'melted' cel throughout my entire 6 years of cel collection. Basically, I got a shock of my life. The only glad thing was I slotted that cel layer in another polyethylene bag before storing it away in the folder sleeve. So, it didn't made a mess in my folder sleeve nor stain the sketch that comes with it either.

Question is, did I store it incorrectly? Has it got to do with cel breathing? I store all my other cels that way and they turned out fine as if I just bought them yesterday.

[Matt]

hi,

I am sorry to hear about your unfortunate discover. I have heard of this happening with some fan cels but never a production cel. ???

To answer your question. If you are keeping your cels and sketches in a rated protective sleeve, keeping them out of extreme heat or cold or direct UV light, then you are doing everything you can to prolong the life of your cels. It is only a plus to keep the cels ventilated. I never seal my bags to allow maximum release of the paints gas. Another rule of thumb is to change your bags on a regular basis. Most collectors will say to change your bags every six months to a year. I once knew I guy who changed them every three months!

I hope some of this helps.

Take Care,

Matt