Effect of Relative Humidity on Damage to Paintings from Mold Fungi (Vliyanie Otnositelnoi Vlazhnosti Vozdukha na Povrezhdayemost Zhivopisi Plesnevymi Gribami),
Abstract
Data concerning the temperature and humidity conditions under which paintings will not be damaged by mold fungi are very limited. For this reason an investigation was made of the effect of relative humidity on the growth of fungi which damage paintings and murals. It was found that for the safeguarding of ancient Russian easel distemper paintings against damage by mold fungi they must be stored at a relative humidity of 60-70% with an admissible daily humidity fluctuation of 5%, since the level of critical relative humidity at which the growth of fungi on icons begins is above 75%. In painting galleries, where easel oil paintings constitute the majority of exhibits, the relative humidity should be kept in the range 60-65%, but not higher, since with an increase in relative humidity to 75% there is a real possibility of damage to the paintings by mold fungi. However, the storage of easel oil paintings at a relative humidity in the range 60-65% guarantees them against damage by mold fungi. In cathedrals with wall Paintingss an effort must be made to prevent relative humidity from rising above 60-65%, since even beginning with 66% there is some slight development of mold fungi. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 04, 1970
- Accession Number
- AD0719484
Entities
People
- D. S. Kuritsyna
Organizations
- United States Army Foreign Science and Technology Center