Foxing In a Framed Work of Art

Climate is of the utmost importance with regard to preserving works of art on paper. Temperature and climate should be maintained as consistently as possible reducing the effects of environmental variations as a result of climactic and seasonal changes.

Strict adherence to maintaining a consistent climate is not practical in a residential setting. Maintaining a temperature between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, with the relative humidity of 45 and 55 percent can reasonably maintained in a domestic setting.

When the relative humidity rises above 65 percent, works of art on paper become subject to mold growth. Watercolors and Pastels are particularly vulnerable to mold growth as well as chemical breakdown due to the water-soluble gums and glycerin used in chemical composition that sustains mold growth by providing nutrients and substrate that attracts and retains water providing an ideal environment for mold spores to germinate and proliferate. Running a simple house fan can decrease the relative humidity by circulating the air.

Framed works of art on paper should not be mounted on poorly insulated outside walls, stored in a damp basement or left for the season in unheated vacation homes due to the danger of mold growth. Habitual frequent inspections should be made for the inconspicuous white haze, feathery strand, and small brown spots called foxing, which are the telltale signs of mold growth.

If mold growth is discovered, the piece should be removed from the frame immediately and aired, which is usually sufficient to stop the growth as molds cannot survive in lower than 65 percent relative humidity. Fungicides should never be used to treat mold growth in framed works of art, which can result in damaging chemical reactions and is toxic.