Urban Art Association

Art above a Radiator? • Humidity • Condensation , by met on Oct 12, 2017 19:55:42 GMT 1,

Oct 11, 2017 17:55:42 GMT 1 shin said:

Hi all,

Relatively new to collecting and I currently have a piece at the framers and I've earmarked a wall for it; however there will be a radiator below the print. What is the best way to ensure the print stays in the same condition it was put in the frame? There's going to be heat going in the general direction.

What sort of impact could it have? Is it better for me to find another place?

Thanks in advance.

Shin

Hanging a print over a radiator would be an imbecilic thing to do. I strongly advise finding another location.

_________


This case illustrates how each of us is at a different stage along our path as collectors.

The answers to your questions were so obvious to me that, at first, I thought you were joking. It seemed comparable to asking whether it's acceptable to hang a rare print in direct sunlight, or if any problems could arise by using non-archival materials and methods when framing.

That said, whenever tempted to scoff at ignorance, I try to remind myself of my own former cluelessness. Matters like these only appear self-evident after being drummed into our heads for years. When you're new to collecting and haven't yet learned, they are often anything but obvious.

_________


Back to your question:

Every work on paper deteriorates over time. However, rates of deterioration will differ depending on the actual paper and specific medium, along with its handling, storage, framing, and the environment in which it's kept. Control can be exercised over some of these things, allowing you to significantly slow down deterioration — thereby helping to preserve the art and prolong your enjoyment.

Regarding environmental factors, besides light, the ones to focus on are temperature and relative humidity. Atmospheric pollutants and pests cause problems as well, but for most private collectors they'll be less of an issue.

Both heat and humidity can be very damaging. They'll speed up chemical reactions that lead to the acidic degradation of paper. It can result in brittleness and discolouration. [This is the reason paper conservationists will consider you an idiot if you try to flatten creases in your prints by ironing them.]

Hang framed works on inside walls, away from direct sources of heat like radiators (convection currents created by a radiator also attract and concentrate dirt). In addition, avoid marked fluctuations in temperature and humidity. Cycles of expansion and contraction may lead to buckling of the paper, and affect the media, e.g. by slowly causing layers of pigment to crack or flake.

Although a degree of compromise is always necessary when art is kept in one's home, works on paper should ideally be stored or displayed in a cool, dry, stable environment.

_________


Crucially, I'd encourage you to be independent by also doing your own research. Make the most of Google. Using search terms like "works of art on paper", "care", "conservation", and even "radiator", you'd have quickly found your answers.

As with any subject, be wary of relying on single sources of information, including this forum. Here are a few sites from different countries to set you on your way:

www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/care-objects/paper-books-photographs/basic-care-art-paper.html

nga.gov.au/conservation/prevention/paper.cfm

www.conservation-us.org/about-conservation/caring-for-your-treasures/paper#.Wd52xZMrI0p

www.moma.org/explore/collection/conservation/faq


Good luck.

Oct 11, 2017 17:55:42 GMT 1 shin said:

Hi all,

Relatively new to collecting and I currently have a piece at the framers and I've earmarked a wall for it; however there will be a radiator below the print. What is the best way to ensure the print stays in the same condition it was put in the frame? There's going to be heat going in the general direction.

What sort of impact could it have? Is it better for me to find another place?

Thanks in advance.

Shin

Hanging a print over a radiator would be an imbecilic thing to do. I strongly advise finding another location.

_________


This case illustrates how each of us is at a different stage along our path as collectors.

The answers to your questions were so obvious to me that, at first, I thought you were joking. It seemed comparable to asking whether it's acceptable to hang a rare print in direct sunlight, or if any problems could arise by using non-archival materials and methods when framing.

That said, whenever tempted to scoff at ignorance, I try to remind myself of my own former cluelessness. Matters like these only appear self-evident after being drummed into our heads for years. When you're new to collecting and haven't yet learned, they are often anything but obvious.

_________


Back to your question:

Every work on paper deteriorates over time. However, rates of deterioration will differ depending on the actual paper and specific medium, along with its handling, storage, framing, and the environment in which it's kept. Control can be exercised over some of these things, allowing you to significantly slow down deterioration — thereby helping to preserve the art and prolong your enjoyment.

Regarding environmental factors, besides light, the ones to focus on are temperature and relative humidity. Atmospheric pollutants and pests cause problems as well, but for most private collectors they'll be less of an issue.

Both heat and humidity can be very damaging. They'll speed up chemical reactions that lead to the acidic degradation of paper. It can result in brittleness and discolouration. [This is the reason paper conservationists will consider you an idiot if you try to flatten creases in your prints by ironing them.]

Hang framed works on inside walls, away from direct sources of heat like radiators (convection currents created by a radiator also attract and concentrate dirt). In addition, avoid marked fluctuations in temperature and humidity. Cycles of expansion and contraction may lead to buckling of the paper, and affect the media, e.g. by slowly causing layers of pigment to crack or flake.

Although a degree of compromise is always necessary when art is kept in one's home, works on paper should ideally be stored or displayed in a cool, dry, stable environment.

_________


Crucially, I'd encourage you to be independent by also doing your own research. Make the most of Google. Using search terms like "works of art on paper", "care", "conservation", and even "radiator", you'd have quickly found your answers.

As with any subject, be wary of relying on single sources of information, including this forum. Here are a few sites from different countries to set you on your way:

www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/care-objects/paper-books-photographs/basic-care-art-paper.html

nga.gov.au/conservation/prevention/paper.cfm

www.conservation-us.org/about-conservation/caring-for-your-treasures/paper#.Wd52xZMrI0p

www.moma.org/explore/collection/conservation/faq


Good luck.