4 Reasons Why High Humidity Is Bad for Artwork

Learn all of the ways high humidity is bad for art and the changes humidity can cause to valuable pieces of art.

1. Chemical Changes

High humidity can have a major impact on the artwork itself. As heat and humidity increases, you don't even need sunlight to cause a chemical reaction. The heat can cause the edges of a canvas to expand, loosen from the wooden frame, and possibly tear. The reaction of the artwork could cause edges to turn yellow and permanently damage the art.

Moisture from humidity can also impact the nails or staples used to hold a canvas in place. The humidity could cause the metal pieces to rust. The rust could stain parts of the artwork and tarnish the condition of the art. In a climate controlled environment, you can avoid the impact of humidity. Clime control will ensure the art maintains its current condition.

2. Paint Changes

An increase in temperature and humidity can cause art to expand and contract. When this happens, the paint on a canvas can change. It may spread out and then condense again as levels fluctuate. You may notice subtle differences in the artwork, including cracks and splits that form in the paint.

When paint cracks or splits, small flakes could come off the artwork. This is especially true for any original art pieces you have. If the humidity gets high enough, paint could blend or smudge, especially if the artwork is moved or handled in the high heat.

3. Art Frame Warping

Not only does humidity impact the art, but it can have major impacts on any frames the artwork is stored in. Wood is very susceptible to high humidity. Wood expands and may permanently warp from the heat and moisture from humidity. If a wooden frame warps with artwork in it, then the artwork could warp or become damaged.

If your art frame has a glass window, then the humidity could cause the glass to cloud up as bits of moisture collect behind the glass. The moisture could remain trapped behind the glass and impact the condition of the artwork. Instead of removing art from frames, a temperature controlled storage unit allows you to keep all your art intact and protected.

4. Mold Formation

When humidity creates a lot of moisture, the possibility of mold forming comes into play. Mold can form anywhere on a piece of art and cause permanent damage to the artwork. Mold not only will change the artwork and devalue pieces, but it could present health dangers if you keep the art in your home.

Once mold forms, it can easily spread and cause more problems for your artwork. The last thing you want to do is keep artwork stored somewhere in your house and discover mold has been growing on the whole piece. Many challenges come with mold removal and the whole art piece could be lost.

With an artwork storage unit, you can store multiple pieces of artwork without any worries about the formation of mold.

For more information on our artwork storage facilities, contact us at LA Fine Arts & Wine Storage. We have a wide range of storage options available and can also offer transportation options so you know your artwork will arrive at our facilities safely.