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Framing

Humidity Control for Artwork

Everyone knows it is not wise to hang expensive framed art pieces in highly humid surroundings, but there are times when that is exactly what you want to do.  The perfect art for a bathroom or kitchen might be a limited edition or original art piece.  It may be the only thing you would be happy with in that locale and you have accepted the risk of such exposure.  Fortunately, there are ways that are easy and straightforward to offer some protection for that artwork.

Kitchens and bathrooms are highly humid at times. When humidity is present, it is usually extreme, particularly in bathrooms.  Showers and long soaks in the tub permeate the air with moisture and that dampness can penetrate everything in the room.  Paper and fabric art items are especially vulnerable to high humidity.   So let’s explore some simple ways to limit the amount of moisture that gets into the frame with that precious art piece.

One quick and easy way to help limit the amount of moisture that creeps into an art item that’s in a wooden frame is to install a double dust cover on the back of the frame.  That means simply attach a second dust cover over the first.  When attaching both layers of dust cover, be sure that the adhesive you use fully encircles the frame – that there are no gaps or skips in the sticky surface that holds down either layer.  This will create a much more secure closure.

If you are using a metal frame, dust covers are not usually part of the presentation.  In that case, use packing tape (strapping tape, gummed tape, or wide cellophane tape) around the perimeter of the back of the frame and against the backing material.  The tape will provide a seal that will greatly limit the amount of moisture that gets in or at least slow the penetration of moisture.

Silica gel packs are available from pharmacies as well as archival framing supply centers.  They will absorb and hold excess humidity but are seldom used because of cost and inaccessibility once the frame is complete and on the wall.  You can collect the little packs from other sources (pill bottles and some packaged goods) and recycle them.  Simply slip one or two between the double dust cover on the back of a frame.

There is one last thing you might want to consider, especially if the art is to be hung on a chimney or wall area that will be heated and then cooled quickly.  Covering the double dust cover with a layer of plastic will avoid the instant moisture buildup when the fire’s warmth navigates up the face of the chimney.  Rather than cause a holding place for moisture, the plastic will prevent the paper backing from absorbing the moisture—and that’s a good thing.

Direct sunlight allowed to enter a window and strike a work of art is yet another way humidity can build under the glass.  Outside walls often heat quickly and then cool quickly.  So outside walls and walls illuminated by direct sunlight make poor candidates for high quality art display.  Try to locate your best collectibles on interior walls away from strong light sources.

Outdoor display of art is not wise under almost any circumstance.  But, if you want to put art outdoors, attempt to seal the back as much as possible.  With wooden frames, screw Masonite to the back side of the frame as a more permanent barrier to moisture.  If at all possible, display with protection from direct rainfall and, for safety, use acrylic sheeting as a glazing material rather than glass. Contemporary artworks are often done on materials that allow for safer outdoor display, but, for longevity, outdoor exhibit of art should be limited.

Copyright ARTtalk Vol. 19 No. 7 — May 2009