It is an artist's nightmare: an unexpected flood in your home or studio causes damage to your paintings. The water does not even have to touch the artwork, the after-effects of mold can do enough damage and, if left untreated, it can spread.
There is hope for your precious paintings, you will want to act swiftly and take care of the problem as soon as possible. You will also need to work smart: know what type of paint and surface you are working with, use as conservative a method as possible to remove the mold, and protect yourself from inhaling any of the mold spores.
Mold can grow on any organic surface and your studio need not be affected by a flood for this to occur. Storing paper, canvas, and even hardboard paintings in a dark, damp environment for long periods of time can promote mold growth.
Yet, we hear most often from artists who are trying to salvage paintings after a flood, whether it be a natural disaster or a sewer backup in the basement. Hindsight will often remind us that we should be storing our paintings in the safest room of the house, one that is regulated in temperature and humidity and, hopefully, out of danger from direct water contact should a flood occur.
Anyone who has been in a flood knows that even parts of a building untouched by flood waters can see black mold growth. As hard as you try to protect your paintings, it is not always possible to prevent mold. This means that we need to learn how to remove mold when we see it.
Removing mold from any artwork is not an easy task. It's not like you can simply douse it with bleach like you would your bathtub. Art is delicate and making the wrong move can cause even more damage than the mold. Before you begin, you need to do extensive research and look for the least intrusive method of mold removal.
When working with your painting, do so in a well-ventilated area and consider wearing a mask. Mold can quickly be inhaled into your lungs and you also do not want it spreading any further in your home. If possible, work outside.
Step 1: Know the type of painting you are dealing with. If it is your own artwork, this will be easy because you know the paint medium and finish you used and are familiar with the painting's surface and many potential reactions. If this is a piece of art you purchased, determine whether it was made with oils, acrylics, or watercolor (they each have distinct characteristics) and whether it is on canvas, paper, or hardboard.
Each type of painting and surface needs to be approached a little differently.
Step 2: Remove and clean any non-art surfaces as soon as possible. If the painting was covered for storage or displayed in a frame, you will want to remove these items right away. Dampness will promote mold growth and at this point, your painting needs as much air as possible.
Step 3: Do conservative cleaning of the painting itself. The approach you take will be determined by the type of painting you have and it is best to begin with the method that has the least potential for damage. Do not attempt to clean the painting without weighing all of your options.
It is best to look at the advice of expert conservators who deal with these issues all of the time. Here are some trusted resources you should look at:
Do not take just any advice from the internet (especially public forums) and if you do, be cautious. There is a lot of bad advice out there and while it may have worked for someone else, it may not have been the best solution for the long-term. For instance, some advice suggests a watered-down vinegar cleaning solution, but you must remember that vinegar is 5-8% acid, which is not good for paintings.
The goal with cleaning the painting is:
The resources listed above suggest many approaches to removing mold from paintings. Here are a few of those suggestions in brief (be sure to follow the links above for details and more advice).
On the back of the painting: It is preferred to attempt mildew removal from the back of the surface so you do not damage the paint. You do not want to saturate a canvas, but lightly mist it with one of these to stop mold growth:
On the front of the painting: Obviously, the front is the most critical surface of a painting and it is best to avoid working with it if possible. If you must, it may be best to allow the mold to dry before removal.
Drying the painting: Yes, we have all been told that sunlight damages artwork, but in this case, you will use it to combat mold. The time that a painting sits in direct sunlight to dry (initially or after any of the cleaning attempts described) is not long enough to damage the paint color.
Remember to work quickly but also be smart about every move you make with a moldy painting. You do not want to rush into cleaning a painting just while you are in a moment of panic. Take a deep breath and formulate a plan of attack for your mold problem.