When deciding on a location to hang or store artwork, temperature and humidity are important factors to consider. High humidity can cause hygroscopic materials (those that readily take in moisture, such as paper and animal skins) to swell and, in excessive cases, to grow mold and to buckle. When exposed to low humidity, paper shrinks, and extremely low humidity over a period of time can damage the paper fiber causing it to become brittle. Paper can adjust to minor temperature changes as long as they are gradual. Hygroscopic materials expand and contract at various rates and in different directions, depending on the properties of the fibers and the way the material was made. Temperature and humidity should remain stable. Ideally temperature should be near 70 degrees Fahrenheit and relative humidity at about 50 percent.
The moisture content of hygroscopic materials varies as
they try to adjust to the relative humidity around them.
Moisture changes are accompanied by dimensional changes resulting in minor rippling
or extreme buckling. A print may quickly buckle if hung on a recently plastered
wall because of the high moisture content of that surface. If the climate control
is turned off at night or on weekends, a sufficient change in the moisture content
of framed artwork can occur, possibly causing temporary or permanent damage.
It is important to maintain a steady temperature throughout the entire year
with as little daily variation as possible. It is not the exact temperature/humidity
but the consistency that is important.
Any location experiencing extreme fluctuations should be avoided such as damp outside walls, above fireplaces, near heating or air-conditioning ducts, by outside doors, under bright lights, in direct sun, in the kitchen or bathroom and in the basement or attic. Framed art should be taken directly home by the customer and not left in a hot or cold car for any length of time. Extreme temperature and humidity changes can occur, which could result in severe rippling. More