protect framed artwork

How To Protect Framed Artwork From Mold And Mildew

Never underestimate mold and mildew, as they can damage your artwork after a short period! Is there a way to protect framed artwork from these dirty particles? Our answer is yes!

Below, we share the best tips to prevent mold and mildew from damaging your framed prints. Scroll down to learn them and start covering your artwork right away!

Why Should You Protect Framed Artwork From Mold And Mildew?

The materials on most canvas prints are based on cellulose, such as linen, cotton, paper, and wood. Some materials are even highly proteinaceous, including leather, adhesives, leather. Believe it or not, these substances are easily attacked by microorganisms.

framed artwork living room

Your artwork may look beautiful in the beginning. But since mold and mildew grow on it, they will feed on the enzymes of the print materials. As a consequence, the substrate on the framed artwork will be weakened. The painting will then be vulnerable to damage.

Please don't think removing the mold and mildew will solve the issue. After the removal, the microorganisms may still grow again and negatively affect your prints. If you want your artwork to be beautiful for an extended period, you will have to get rid of the mold and mildew again and again.

That's why protection is always better than treatment. You never worry about the harmful effects as you prevent the terrible particles from growing on your artwork. There is also no need to get rid of mold and mildew anymore.

Learn more:

How To Detect The Presence of Mold And Mildew On Your Artwork?

It is not hard to detect the presence of mold and mildew on your framed prints home decor. There are a lot of signs showing the growth of these particles.

Since mold and mildew appear, they usually create a musty odor in the air. If you notice this kind of smell around your artwork, it is time to find a way to remove the harmful microorganisms.

Some types of mold and mildew, such as dormant spores, are more challenging to detect as they don't create smells. Luckily, these organisms usually show up luminescent when you shine UV lights on them. 

On the other hand, mold and mildew usually change pigmentation on the artwork materials and cause slight stains, velvety, and powdery deposits. You can easily detect their presence throughout a visual examination.  

How To Protect Framed Artwork From Mold And Mildew?

Control Humidity

Mold and mildew can overgrow in an environment where humidity is high. You will need to determine the moisture level in your room and find a way to adjust it.

Follow the moisture control tips below to preserve prints:

  • Use a dehumidifier in the room
  • Monitor and maintain the good humidity (best when it is between 45% and 55%)
  • Maintain the room temperature between 64°F (18°C) and 68°F (20°C). Remember that humidity increases when the temperature drops, and vice versa.
  • Increase air circulation

Increase Air Circulation In Your Room

As you know, airflow can promote moisture evaporation—the more air moving in your room, the lower the humidity level.

That's why you should turn on fans in your framed artwork living room. They will help reduce any water stagnant contained in the environment air.

framed prints home decor

Another good way is to install air conditioners. These modern devices have good features to maintain humidity at the desired levels.

Never store your artwork in the corners of your home. Room corners are the places where air circulation is the lowest. The best areas to store prints should be near windows or fans.

Since there is no good condition, the growth speed of mold and mildew will reduce.

Store Your Framed Artwork In A Room That Is Full Of Lights

Unlike plants, mold and mildew are not photosynthetic. These microorganisms do not generate energy from lights. In contrast, heavy lights can even deliver heat that kills them and inhibits their growth.

canvas prints

To protect framed artwork, store it near the windows that absorb a high amount of sunlight. On the other hand, you can turn on the lights and shine to your prints at night. Without the favorite dark environment, mold and mildew will not grow quickly.

Clean The Environment Regularly

Even when you create a perfect environment with suitable humidity, good temperature level, high air circulation, bright lights, mold, and mildew may still be able to grow and affect your framed prints.

The reason is mold spores appear in dust, which comes from furniture in your house. Thus, we advise you to regularly clean all items and decorations in your room.

Simply use a vacuum machine to suck all dust in your artwork storage room everyday. If you are busy, you can do this job 2 - 3 days a week.

Place Silica Gel Near Your Framed Artwork

Silica gel is silicon dioxide - a primary component in beach sand. This material is popular due to its ability to absorb excess moisture in the air.

Silica gel is commonly used to protect framed artwork, hats, books, electronics, and photos. This gel looks like small pieces of marbles. You can place the gel near your print to suck out unwanted moisture.

Last Words

We have shared with you our best tips to protect framed artwork. From now on, there is no need to hire an expert art conservator, as you can maintain the quality of your art items by yourself.

If you have any problem with mold and mildew damaging your prints, just get in touch with us. We will give you the best solutions, based on our own experience, to deal with these microorganisms.

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