Inside Picture Framing #4: Placing art on walls

This article is not about the artistic placement of art but rather about the physical placement.

Any framed art or item that you value should never be hung on an exterior wall or above an active fireplace. Exterior walls go thorough drastic temperature changes during the days and seasons. These changes can set up conditions that cause cycles of dryness and condensation inside a frame package which, in turn, can cause damage to the contents. Active fireplaces, whether buring wood or natural gas pose the problem of excessive heat rising through the chimney which can cause problems within the frame package. Wood burning fireplaces cause the added problem of soot rising inside the house (even though you may not notice it) and entering into the frame package. Soot, being a by product of combusting wood, is caustic and will cause deterioration of the art.

Also, wherever the art is hung, there should be at least 1/8” air gap behind the frame package. This is accomplished by using small bumpers on the lower corners of the back of the frame. This allows air circulation behind the frame to buffer changes in temperature within the frame package.

-- Always do the Right Thing the Right Way the First Time - if you can figure out what that is! Ken, Spring Branch, TX