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Relative Humidity
Relative Humidity (RH) refers to the amount of moisture present in the air compared to the maximum amount the air can hold at a specific temperature. It is expressed as a percentage and is a critical factor in the preservation and display of artwork, documents, and framed objects.
Importance in Art and Framing
- Excessive humidity can cause warping, mold growth, and deterioration of paper, canvas, wood, and mat boards.
- Low humidity can lead to drying, cracking, and brittleness of materials.
- Maintaining stable RH levels is essential for archival storage and conservation framing practices.
Recommended Levels
- For most framed artwork: 40-55% RH.
- For sensitive works such as watercolors, photographs, or historic documents: 45-50% RH.
- Rapid fluctuations in RH are more damaging than consistently high or low levels.
Control Methods
- Use of climate-controlled storage or display environments.
- Employing desiccants or moisture-absorbing materials within frames or storage boxes.
- Use of zeolites or other humidity-buffering agents in enclosed display environments.
- Monitoring RH with hygrometers and adjusting HVAC systems accordingly.