General Care
Temperature and Humidity
By Diane Day, CPF
The temperature and relative humidity of the room in which your art is displayed is very important. Ideally, the humidity should be 50 percent and the temperature 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius). If temperature and humidity rise and there is little air circulation, the possibility of mold and mildew growth increases.
It is important to maintain a steady temperature throughout the entire year. An air conditioner, dehumidifier or humidifier can be of considerable help to you. However, if the climate-controlling device is turned off at night or during weekends/holidays, a sufficient change in the moisture content of the air can take place, causing temporary or permanent damage to artwork.
Just as you ensure that pets and plants are properly cared for during an extended absence, so should you care for your valued art. Have the house aired periodically by a friend or neighbor.
Air should be allowed to circulate behind a picture. Spacers or bumpers placed on the two lower corners of a frame will tilt it out a bit from the wall, allowing for air circulation.
A small amount of rippling or waving of a print can be expected. However, high humidity causes hygroscopic (moisture absorbing) materials, such as paper, canvas and sheepskin, to swell.
If the humidity is excessive, it can cause severe buckling as well as mold growth. Hygroscopic materials shrink when exposed to low humidity, and extremely low humidity over a period of time can damage fibers, causing embrittlement. For localized buckling, consult your framer.
Do not store or hang artwork in any location that can experience extreme fluctuations in temperature and humidity. That includes attics, basements (even if finished), damp outside walls, over fireplaces, near heating or air conditioning ducts, by outside doors, under bright lights or in direct sunlight.
Also, remember that kitchens and bathrooms produce steam and heat, resulting in an unhealthy environment for your valuable works of art.
For help with temperature and humidity related problems that have affected your artwork, seek out a professional picture framer who is a member of the Professional Picture Framers Association TM (PPFA®). PPFA is the international trade association for the art and framing industry. PPFA works to elevate professional standards in the industry by providing advanced educational programs and encouraging the continued professional development of custom picture framers. Be sure to look for the purple-and-white PPFA member decal on the shop door or window.
Prepared by the Professional Picture Framers Association. © Copyright Professional Picture Framers Association, 3000 Picture Place, Jackson, Michigan 49201, 517-788-8100, July 2006. All rights reserved.