When Damage Happens

Since Chester County was recently hit by Hurricane Irene, it’s a good time to discuss what to do when damage happens to your artwork. Many homes in the area were affected by flooding recently, and sometimes our art can fall victim to water damage. Here are a few tips to help you should your art ever come in contact with water.

#1 Take a Picture. In the event that you want to contact your insurance company later on to file a claim, it will be helpful to have photos of the damage.

#2 Remove the Art. Take your framed art to your local framer and have them remove the artwork from your framing package as quickly as possible. The faster you can remove the art from the framing the less chance you have in it acquiring any serious damage. Make sure you ask your framer to take pictures of the framing once it is opened up, should you need it for your insurance company later.

#3 Allow to dry. Place the artwork and any framing or matting on a clean/dry surface and allow to dry for several days. In the event that any mold starts to grow, you can place photos/paper in a freezer bag and put them into your freezer. This will help to slow the mold growth process. It’s best not to remove the mold yourself, as this can grind it into the paper surface, making it harder to remove in the future.

#4 Assess the Damage. Sometimes with adequate drying your artwork may be fine to re frame with new matting and backing materials. If more severe damage has occurred you can contact a restorer to assess the damage for you and come up with a solution. ACA Paper Restoration is a local paper restorer that may be able to help you should you need it.

Flooded house image above via.