Can My Mold Artwork Be Saved?

9/23/2019 (Permalink)

Humidity can ruin art and pictures

Learn More About Mold Cleaning Paintings

The impact mold can have in your home is vast. In addition to causing unsightly stains and smells, this fungus can literally eat away at the walls and surfaces of your home. But when your home includes valuable artwork, the impact can seem even more devastating. The good news is that even mold-damaged artwork isn’t automatically a loss. Learn more about mold cleaning for paintings and how to restore the artwork in your South Oceanside,CA home.

Understanding Mold Damage

Mold replicates due to heat and moisture. But it thrives on nutrients from organic surfaces. That includes wood, paper and even glue - key elements of paintings. Some of the damage mold can cause to art work includes:

• attacking frames
  
• eating away at canvases and paint
  
• staining canvases
  
  

Fortunately, there are lots of simple options for mold cleaning.

Cleaning Mold from Artwork

One of the most direct options is simply cleaning the artwork. Step one is spraying anti-germ or bacteria cleaner on the back of paintings. On the front, dabbing on rubbing alcohol mixed with water can help destroy mold. In the case of dry residue, a soft brush can work wonders - but be sure to use a HEPA filtered vacuum to clean any resulting mold dust.
Most important is drying the painting. If a painting isn’t dry, remaining spores can take up residence and the mold can return. Combat persistent moisture by setting artwork in the sun to dry, being careful not to leave it long enough to fade colors. For inside drying, place artwork near a window. In either case, put the artwork on a flat surface while drying to get the best results.
Mold damage is an art lover’s nightmare but it doesn’t have to destroy your investment. Use some of the mold cleaning tips above or reach out to a mold remediation specialist to get your art collection back in good standing.