AboutSara Tro Expertise I am a professional custom picture framer and designer. I have experience in all areas of
picture framing, and own my own custom framing shop. I can answer questions relating
to the design of a piece, the preservation of the artwork, color theory, photograph
restoration, decor, art placement, room balancing and installation questions.
Experience I have owned my own retail custom frame shop for 5 years, and managed a high-end shop before that for 5.5 years. I worked for a professional restorer and archivist for 8 months prior to the management position. I am also a fine artist myself, with a BFA in Photography and Printmaking, and have been framing my own work for years and years.
Education/Credentials BFA Fine Arts, NYSCC at Alfred University, NY
Expert: Sara Tro Date: 4/13/2008 Subject: Storage of watercolours
Question Hi, I'm from Bangalore, India where the weather gets quite humid.I have a good number of old watercolor paintings. They are presently wrapped in plastic. My question is whether I should leave them in their plastic wraps or should I cover them in tissue paper. The reason I ask is: I will be storing them for long periods of time- do the watercolours 'sweat' over a period of time? If they do, the moisture will be retained within the plastic and thereby damage the painting- not to mention a fungus attack.
Answer Hi Ganesh,
Thanks for writing with your important question! And from so far away!! How cool..
So, the issue with your watercolors is this: how were they treated, and where were they, before they got sealed in the plastic? If they are tightly, totally no air getting in, sealed, then I would say that they are probably fine to stay in their plastic homes. But, if there is a little leak, or a hole in the plastic, then you run the risk of air and moisture getting trapped in there with them, and the paper will absorb the moisture and mold will occur over time, due to lack of air circulation.
I wouldn't risk it, because you never know, so here's what I would do..:
-I would order an archival print box from a reputable source, (my favorite is www.lightimpressions.com. they sell all sorts of storage items that promote longevity of art), and order one that will allow for room above, and on the sides of, the pieces; so, one that is taller than you need, (or get several boxes),
-and also get some acid free interleaving tissue to go between the pieces, and archival storage bags,
-and also a desiccant (or ten).. (I'm not sure I'm spelling it right, but these are little packets of some moisture absorbing substance, maybe charcoal?, that you can safely put into the box with the prints).
Then, I'd situate the art work, with interleaving paper between them, wrapped in an INERT plastic bag, in the box. (make sure the plastic has very little odor when you smell it.. if it smells strongly like plastic, it's probably not an inert kind, and should not be near your art for long periods). If you order a bag from the archival site I gave you, you won't have to guess.
You will want room around the pieces within the box, so that air can circulate in there, and maybe below as well.. You could use an archival soft substance, like this special blue cardboard they sell at light impressions also.. it's inert, and you can use several layers on the bottom to protect the art from moisture that might collect under the box. ALso, if it's in the budget, you could (sounds crazy, I know) get two boxes of different sizes and put the smaller (print sized) box inside the larger box! (that may be overkill, but I've never been to India, sadly, so I don't know just how humid we're talking about.. (i have been to New Orleans in August though, and it gets pretty darn hot!)
Consider separating the collection into several boxes, so if one gets damaged, they all don't get ruined. Also, check them periodically if you can, or store them with a friend who can check on them twice a year. Make sure to store them off the floor... on a rack-like book shelf with open shelves made of wire, that would be ideal, but metal shelves are also fine. (wood bookshelves may be my last choice, but off the floor is best,regardless of the shelf material.)..
I don't think the watercolors will sweat themselves, unless the pieces were very recent, and hadn't had full time time to dry when completed. I would take the pieces out of the current bag they're in and feel the inside of the bag. If theres dampness in the bag, or on the art, get all new materials, maybe attempt to dry out the prints before following the above instructions.. You could set them out in a room with the oven on near them, just to reduce the moisture? If you feel dampness on the prints, I would not seal them inside a new plastic bag, I'd just put them in two layers of boxes, and store them somewhere where the temperature is consistent, if you can.
I hope this helps a little, and I'm so glad you wrote.. this is a big issue, especially with watercolors, it's very good to ask these questions!
Well done!
Good luck, and feel free to write again with an update:)
Best,
Sara
