Protect Your Artworks for Summer
As the temperature begins to rise and humid storms roll in, it’s important to learn how to protect your artworks for summer. Fluctuating temperatures and high humidity can irreversibly impact an artwork’s integrity and value, so we’ve put together this guide on how to protect your artworks this summer.
A day at Minjerribah by Sof Georgiou.
Temperature
Just like humans, high temperatures can make some artworks sweat. This causes colours to melt and run, like sweat dripping down your back, yuck! Maintaining low indoor temperatures will help protect your artworks this summer, so you can enjoy it for years to come. Ideally, artwork should be displayed at 15-25 °C. However, before cranking the aircon, it’s important to understand that the temperature should be altered slowly.
Summer Fog by Alex Frayne.
Humidity
Humidity refers to the amount of moisture in the air. High humidity can cause mould to grow and materials to swell, shrink and shift. High humidity can also cause chemical reactions such as the yellowing of paper and metal corrosion. Humidity is no joke. Perhaps you should reconsider displaying artwork above the bath or a boiling kettle. Maintain 45-55 % relative humidity to protect your artwork from damage.
Big Scrub on Heat by Caroline Varendorff.
Lighting
While Aussies welcome the warm summer rays, artworks don’t share in the excitement. Organic materials, such as paper, watercolour, oil and acrylic paintings are highly sensitive to ultraviolet light. Displaying artwork in direct sunlight or under strong globes can cause pigments to fade. Restrict light levels to 50 lux with a maximum UV level of 75 lumens. Install curtains or blinds and UV filters on fluorescent lights to minimise harm.
Melbourne-based framer Christian at work.
Framing
Bluethumb offers specialty framing on all purchases. Custom-made frames not only look great, but they also help protect artwork from UV light. Non-reflective perspex offers 50% UV protection and is a great option for artwork displayed in indirect light. For artwork that will have prolonged exposure to sunlight, UV-blocking Artglass is a no-brainer. As the conservation grade glass provides 70-99% UV protection.
Splendid and Superb FairyWren Males by Nicola McLeay.
Damage is not always reversible. So, it’s important to be proactive and protect your artworks this summer. We hope you found this guide helpful, and that you have a great festive season!
Ready to add to your collection this summer? Check out our latest curation, Beautiful and Brilliant Bird Art, for the perfect addition. Get in quick, the Christmas postage cutoff dates are fast approaching! Order by Wednesday 7th December to get your artwork by Christmas if you live in WA or NT, or by the 12th of December for the rest of Australia.
