Water Damage

Water Damage

Definition

Water Damage refers to any undesirable consequences of water or moisture coming into contact with art materials. This can result in physical, chemical, and biological deterioration, including lifting, swelling, delamination, staining, mold growth, and discoloration of artwork, mats, or frames.

Causes

• Flooding: accidental submersion or leakage from pipes, roofs, or natural disasters.
• Condensation: high humidity environments where condensation forms inside glazing or on artwork surfaces.
• Improper handling: spills, damp cloth cleaning, or contact with wet packaging materials.
• Storage issues: storing art in basements, garages, or areas prone to dampness and leaks.
• Transportation: exposure to rain or high humidity during shipping or moving.

Consequences in Framing

• Swelling: paper, mats, and wood can expand and distort.
• Lifting and delamination: adhesives can fail, causing hinges, laminates, and mountings to separate.
• Stains and discoloration: water can cause tide lines, brown spots, or warping of pigments.
• Biological growth: mold, mildew, and spores thrive in moist conditions and can irreversibly damage artwork.
• Frame instability: wooden frames can warp, crack, or separate at the joins when exposed to prolonged moisture.

Prevention

• Maintain stable relative humidity (ideally 40%-55%) and avoid environments prone to dampness.
• Use archival-quality, hygroscopic-resistant materials to slow the absorption of moisture.
• Store artwork vertically in climate-controlled environments with protective enclosures.
• Avoid hanging art on exterior walls where condensation or leaks may occur.
• Seal or elevate framed works during shipping to prevent exposure to water or wet packaging.

Remediation

• Drying: blot gently with acid-free blotting paper and allow to air dry in a controlled environment.
• Flattening: use pressing techniques after controlled humidification to reduce warping or cockling.
• Mold mitigation: consult a professional conservator for cleaning and sterilization of contaminated surfaces.
• Replacement: heavily water-damaged mats, backings, and frames should be discarded and replaced to avoid further contamination.

Best Practices

• Use moisture-barrier backings and glazing where appropriate.
• Consider the risks of displaying artwork in bathrooms, kitchens, or near windows and humidifiers.
• For valuable works, consider insurance coverage against water damage events.
• Develop an emergency response plan for floods or leaks, including quick access to blotting papers and drying stations.

Related Terms

• Mildew
• Spores
• Damp
• Hygroscopic