Marcus Chen
Paintings are susceptible to damage from fluctuations in temperature and humidity, whether they are stored or displayed. This is especially true for paintings on canvas or wood panel, which can crack, blister, flake, or separate from their support when exposed to extreme or fluctuating conditions. To protect paintings, it is recommended to maintain stable temperatures and humidity levels, avoid direct sunlight, and ensure proper air circulation and insulation. These factors are crucial in preserving the longevity of artworks and preventing damage caused by environmental conditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Placement of paintings | Avoid hanging paintings above a mantel, near radiators and heaters, or in bathrooms and kitchens |
| Sunlight exposure | Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause colours and details of the artwork to fade and the varnish to discolour |
| Cleaning | Paintings should be dusted infrequently, about once every four or five months, with sable, badger hair, or similar brushes |
| Humidity | Paintings should be kept in an area that is below 60% relative humidity and should be protected from drastic fluctuations in temperature and humidity levels |
| Mould and mildew | Can have a devastating effect on paintings, especially those on canvas |
| Temperature | Commonly acceptable temperatures for paintings are 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during winter and 70 to 75 degrees during summer |
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What You'll Learn
Humidity and temperature fluctuations cause damage
Humidity and temperature fluctuations can cause significant damage to paintings. The ideal temperature for paintings is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the season, and it is recommended to maintain a temperature within a 20-degree Fahrenheit range. Unheated buildings may experience large temperature fluctuations, especially if they are heated by steam radiators, which can quickly lose heat when turned off. Such rapid changes in temperature can cause the canvas to expand and contract excessively, leading to slacking and eventual sagging. In addition, the paint layer can crack, blister, flake, or separate from the canvas.
Wooden panel paintings are also susceptible to damage from humidity. All wood expands as it absorbs moisture, and the resulting structural damage to panel paintings includes warping, splitting, and breaking of the wood panel support. The paint layer on wooden panels can also crack, blister, flake, or separate, and the varnish layer can develop premature hairline cracks.
High humidity can also lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can attack the reverse side of canvas paintings and penetrate every layer. To avoid this, it is recommended to keep the relative humidity below 60% and to avoid drastic fluctuations in temperature and humidity levels.
Additionally, sunlight can cause irreversible damage to paintings, as the colours and details of the artwork can fade, and the varnish can discolour. Therefore, it is important to avoid placing paintings in direct sunlight or near sources of heat, such as above a mantel or near radiators and heaters.
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Mould and mildew
To avoid mould and mildew, paintings should not be placed in bathrooms, near kitchen sinks, or in sunrooms or patios. Paintings should also not be hung above a mantel, near radiators and heaters, or in kitchens. This is because steam radiators, for example, can quickly heat a room, but when the steam is shut off, the room cools rapidly, causing quick changes in atmospheric conditions that can damage paintings.
In naturally ventilated historic buildings, indoor humidity rises when warm outdoor air comes into contact with the building mass, such as walls on which pictures are hung. During the night, the air cools, and indoor humidity rises. In Europe and North America, conditions in most museums during the summer are between 60 and 90% RH, and in winter, when heating is switched on, the internal RH falls to 30, 20, or even 10% RH.
In buildings without central air conditioning, maintaining mid-point indoor humidity levels during the winter heating season leads to condensation. This can be avoided by reducing occupancy during the winter so that indoor temperatures can fall, or by installing vapor barriers and double or triple glazing.
In addition to the harmful effects of mould and mildew, the smoke and soot created by heat sources can lead to a buildup on the surface of a painting. This can obscure the colours and details of the painting. When a painting is exposed to sunlight, colours can fade, and the varnish can discolour. Special frames with glass that protects against UV rays can be used, but they may not block out all harmful rays, so it is best to hang artwork in an area least affected by natural light.
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Sunlight exposure
The effects of sunlight exposure on paintings depend on the type of artwork, the materials used, and the duration of sun exposure. While some artworks can withstand sunlight, others should be kept away from direct sunlight to prevent damage.
Oil paintings, for instance, are susceptible to damage from ultraviolet (UV) rays, which are present in sunlight. UV rays can cause chemical changes in paint pigments, such as turning green tones brown and causing blue pigments to fade into muted grey hues. Over time, exposure to sunlight can also lead to the formation of cracks in the paint and yellowing due to the development of free radicals within the pigments. The same rays can also damage the canvas, causing it to loosen and eventually sag.
Acrylic paintings, on the other hand, are known to be more resilient and can typically withstand sunlight exposure. However, it is still recommended to avoid direct sunlight, especially during the afternoon, as the heat and light can negatively affect the appearance and health of the artwork over time.
Paper paintings, such as watercolours, are extremely fragile and can quickly fade when exposed to sunlight. These works should be kept away from sunny spots and direct sunlight. While UV glass can help preserve them, it should be combined with other measures to minimise direct sunlight exposure.
To protect paintings from harmful UV rays, you can use UV-proof glass, UV-filtering blinds, or UV film for windows. Additionally, when hanging paintings in rooms with natural light exposure, choose areas away from windows, or consider using curtains or blinds during periods of intense sunlight.
It is worth noting that the ideal storage temperature for oil paintings is around 16°C to 26°C. Significant fluctuations in temperature can also contribute to the deterioration of paintings. Therefore, it is recommended to maintain a stable environment with consistent temperatures to prevent potential damage to the artwork.
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Proximity to heat sources
The optimal temperature for paintings varies depending on the medium and the specific paint used. For example, commonly acceptable temperatures for paintings on canvas or panel are 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit in winter and 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit in summer. It is recommended to maintain temperatures within a 20-degree Fahrenheit range to prevent rapid expansion and contraction of the canvas or panel, which can lead to cracking, warping, or other structural damage.
However, it is important to note that direct sunlight should be avoided when painting or displaying artwork. A surface in direct sunlight can be significantly hotter than the ambient air temperature, which may exceed the recommended temperature range for the paint. This can cause improper drying, blistering, or other issues with the paint layer.
Additionally, the use of heating sources, such as steam radiators, can pose challenges due to rapid temperature changes when the heat is turned off. These fluctuations can accelerate the deterioration of paintings, especially if the surrounding environment is not well-insulated.
To mitigate the risks associated with heat sources, it is advisable to maintain a consistent and moderate temperature in the vicinity of the paintings. Insulation can help regulate temperature fluctuations, preventing microclimates that can accelerate the expansion and contraction of the artwork's layers. Proper ventilation and humidity control are also essential to avoid moisture-related issues, such as mould or canvas sagging.
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Housekeeping mistakes
Paintings are susceptible to damage due to fluctuations in temperature and humidity, whether they are hung up or stored away. One of the most common mistakes people make when storing their paintings is stacking them in boxes. This can cause the paintings to stick together due to increased humidity. To avoid this, store your paintings upright and separate them with rigid dividers. Additionally, avoid storing your paintings in places like garages or attics, where temperatures fluctuate greatly throughout the day. Instead, keep them in a room with consistent temperature and humidity levels, away from external walls and off the ground.
When hanging paintings for display, be mindful of the temperature and humidity levels in the room. Ideally, maintain temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit and keep humidity levels relatively low. Quick changes in atmospheric conditions can damage paintings, especially if they are hung in a room with steam radiators that quickly lose heat when turned off. The constant movement and readjustments of the canvas can accelerate deterioration.
Another mistake to avoid is exposing your paintings to direct sunlight. While natural light can brighten up a painting, direct sunlight can cause the surface of the painting to heat up, potentially damaging the canvas and paint layer. Similarly, avoid painting or hanging paintings in rainy conditions. Rain can cause the paint to form bubbles, and if these are popped, it can lead to further issues.
If you are painting or varnishing wooden panels, be aware that wood expands as it absorbs moisture. This can result in structural damage such as warping, splitting, or breaking of the wood panel. Additionally, check the specifications of the paint you are using, as painting on a surface that is too hot or too cold can cause the paint to dry improperly. The surface temperature should be within the acceptable range specified by the paint manufacturer.
Lastly, consider investing in a way to control the climate, such as central air conditioning, vapor barriers, double or triple-glazing, or skylights, to help maintain stable temperature and humidity levels. These measures can prevent damage to your paintings and ensure their longevity.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is harmful to have paintings in unheated buildings. Fluctuations in temperature and humidity can cause damage to paintings. Ideally, paintings should be stored in an environment with a temperature between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit and a humidity level between 40% and 70% RH.
In unheated buildings, the indoor humidity rises as warm air from outside comes into contact with cooler walls. This humidity can cause canvas paintings to loosen and tighten, eventually sagging on the stretcher. Wood panel paintings can also be damaged by humidity, with the wood expanding as it absorbs moisture, leading to warping, splitting, and breaking.
Yes, if heating is not an option, there are other ways to protect paintings from temperature and humidity fluctuations. Paintings can be stored in a room with consistent temperature and humidity levels, away from external walls and off the ground. Additionally, using central air conditioning or installing vapor barriers and double or triple-glazed windows can help maintain stable humidity levels.
You can use a thermometer and a hygrometer to monitor the temperature and humidity levels in the building. If the temperature drops below 65 degrees Fahrenheit or rises above 75 degrees, or if the humidity falls below 40% RH or rises above 70% RH, then your paintings may be at risk of damage.
