When you hang your artwork, it’s easy to focus on frames, mats, and lighting—but the invisible factors of temperature and humidity often matter most. At Artistic Wholesale Printing & Framing, we’ve seen firsthand how climate fluctuations can quietly damage paintings, photographs, and prints. The good news? With the proper knowledge and professional framing services, you can protect art from humidity and temperature swings to preserve its beauty.
Why Temperature and Moisture Matter
Art is made of delicate materials—paper, canvas, wood, textiles, and adhesives—that expand and contract with the environment. When temperatures swing dramatically or moisture builds up, these shifts stress the artwork.
- Heat: High heat can dry out paper and canvas, leading to brittleness or cracking. It can also cause adhesives and mounting materials to loosen.
- Cold: Excessive cold may destabilize some pigments and cause glass to fog when condensation forms.
- Moisture: Humidity is one of the most damaging elements. Paper ripples, canvas stretches, and mold or mildew can grow behind the glass. Even metals in frames may corrode over time.
The result is gradual but permanent—faded colors, warped surfaces, and weakened structural integrity.
Risks in Commercial Spaces
Many businesses, galleries, hotels, and offices proudly display framed art, but these environments present unique challenges:
- HVAC Cycles: Heating and cooling systems can cause constant fluctuations in temperature and humidity.
- Sunlight Exposure: Large windows or bright lighting accelerate fading and weaken materials.
- Crowded Displays: In restaurants or lobbies, tightly hung pieces limit airflow and trap moisture.
For commercial framing projects, stability is key. Our team at Artistic Wholesale emphasizes both environmental planning and the right materials when providing commercial picture framing and hotel art prints and framing services.
Best Practices for Art Storage and Display
Prevention is your best defense if you’re storing or displaying art for the long term. A few guidelines include:
- Maintain Stable Climate: Aim for 70°F and around 50% relative humidity.
- Avoid Vulnerable Spaces: Basements, attics, and garages often have extreme swings and dampness.
- Use Spacers and Mats: Prevents condensation damage by keeping artwork off the glass.
- Allow Airflow: Don’t pack art too closely together—air circulation prevents trapped moisture.
These small steps can prevent costly damage before it starts.
Framing Materials That Make the Difference
The right frame doesn’t just make art beautiful—it also protects it. At Artistic Wholesale Printing & Framing, we recommend:
- UV-Resistant Glass or Acrylic: Blocks harmful rays that cause fading.
- Acid-Free Mats: Prevents yellowing and chemical deterioration.
- Sealed Frames: Limits moisture intrusion while allowing minimal air exchange to avoid condensation.
- Archival-Quality Supplies: Acid-free, durable materials are essential for matboards and moldings.
Backing Boards for Extra Protection
Another critical but often overlooked layer of defense is the backing board. A rigid backing board—such as archival foam core, heritage board, or acrylic sheeting—provides structural support while helping regulate the microclimate inside the frame.
Backing boards also protect against dust, pests, and vibrations that can weaken a piece over time. Since Artistic Wholesale supplies professional matboards and other framing materials, we can recommend the right backing solutions for commercial installations and personal collections.
Everyday Steps to Protect Art from Humidity
For clients who ask how to protect art from humidity day to day, we recommend simple but effective habits:
- Use dehumidifiers in damp climates or during wet seasons.
- Keep framed art away from bathrooms, kitchens, or exterior walls.
- Regularly inspect the back of frames for signs of mold or warping.
- Rotate and dust artwork to keep it in a healthy condition.
Monitoring with Hygrometers or Data Loggers
One of the most practical steps is to monitor your environment. A small digital hygrometer—or a more advanced data logger—lets you track humidity and temperature in real time. Placing one near your framed art can alert you to harmful fluctuations before they cause permanent damage. Utah homeowners may find this especially useful during seasonal transitions, when heating or air conditioning systems create rapid shifts indoors.
Work with Utah’s Framing Experts
Your artwork deserves more than a frame—it deserves protection. At Artistic Wholesale Printing & Framing, we specialize in high-quality picture framing services in Utah that enhance and preserve your artwork. From custom commercial projects to hotel art and personal collections, our framers use archival materials and proven techniques to safeguard your pieces from temperature and humidity damage.
If you’re ready to protect your art from humidity and create a lasting display, contact us, visit our Salt Lake City area showroom, or explore our full range of framing options online. Our team will help you choose the right materials, finishes, and storage practices so your art stays vibrant and secure for years to come.