How Heat and Humidity Can Damage Your Artwork (And What to Do About It)
Toronto summers are stunning. They're also brutal on your artwork.
If you've ever noticed a painting starting to warp, a photograph fading, or a print developing mysterious bubbles or ripples, you're not imagining things. Heat and humidity are among the most common — and most underestimated — causes of artwork damage, and summer in Toronto brings both in abundance.
Here's what's actually happening, and what you can do about it.
What heat does to your artwork
High temperatures cause the materials in your artwork to expand. Canvas stretches, paper warps, and adhesives soften. Over time, repeated expansion and contraction from seasonal temperature changes creates stress on the materials that can lead to cracking, flaking, and irreversible structural damage. Artwork hung near windows, above radiators, or in direct sun is especially vulnerable.
What humidity does to your artwork
Moisture is equally destructive. Paper-based works — photographs, prints, drawings, watercolours — absorb humidity from the air and expand, causing the dreaded ripple or buckle effect. High humidity also encourages mould growth, which can destroy a piece beyond repair. On the other end, very dry conditions cause paper and canvas to become brittle and crack.
Toronto's summer humidity swings are particularly hard on artwork because the change happens fast, giving materials little time to adjust.
The artwork most at risk
While all artwork can be affected, the most vulnerable pieces include:
Photographs and archival prints
Watercolours and works on paper
Pastels and charcoal drawings
Vintage posters and documents
Anything displayed in direct sunlight or near windows
What proper framing does to protect your artwork
This is where the right framing makes all the difference. At Dimensions, we use acid and lignin-free mat and mount boards that create a protective barrier against airborne pollutants and moisture. But the single biggest protective upgrade you can make is UV-filtering glass.
UV glass blocks the light wavelengths responsible for fading and heat buildup behind the frame — significantly slowing the deterioration process for pieces displayed near windows or in bright rooms. For sentimental or valuable pieces, it's an investment that pays for itself many times over.
If you have artwork you love and want to protect it properly this summer, our team at Dimensions Custom Framing on Queen Street East is here to help. We'll walk you through the right materials for your specific piece and environment — no pressure, just honest advice.
A few quick tips for the summer months
Avoid hanging artwork on exterior walls, which absorb more heat
Keep artwork out of direct sunlight wherever possible
If you have central air, try to maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level
Consider UV-filtering window film as an additional layer of protection for rooms with a lot of natural light
Summer in Toronto is meant to be enjoyed. With the right framing, your artwork can enjoy it safely too.