3 Things You Should Know About Mold Damaged Paintings

5/24/2019 (Permalink)

Mold can grow on paintings

Mold Cleaning Is an Option When Mold Growths Affects Paintings

Mold can grow on a multitude of surfaces and can damage various items in homes in Swannanoa,NC. When paintings have been affected by mold growth, however, you may be unsure whether or not mold cleaning is an option.

1. Why Does Mold Grow on Paintings?

Many people often don’t think works of art would be affected by mold, though it is a common occurrence. Mold growth is likely to affect a painting in a variety of circumstances, including:

• If a painting sustains water damage and the piece is not quickly dried and treated
• When mold growth starts on a wooden frame and spreads to the remainder of the painting
• If pieces are stored in attics, basements or other humid environments
  
  

2. Should You Attempt To Remove Mold Yourself?

Although you may be tempted to remove mold from a painting on your own, specialized mold cleaning methods are often necessary. Removing mold from a painting by yourself could result in the painting becoming further damaged. Warping, discoloration and disintegration may occur if the piece isn’t treated properly. Additionally, attempting to treat a painting in an environment where high levels of mold spores are present may cause the mold to reappear a short time later.

3. How Are Works of Art Restored?

The extent of the mold damage often determines whether or not any item, including a painting, can be restored. Mold remediation specialists will remove the piece from its original environment to ensure mold does not continue to grow. Then, professionals examine the painting before using specialized methods and treatments to remove mold. In some instances, conservationists may need to repaint areas of a painting that have flaked away.

When your home has been damaged, you can feel overwhelmed by uncertainty. However, knowing that mold cleaning can improve the state of damaged paintings can help to bring you peace of mind.