How Brisbane’s Humid Climate Affects Your Artwork
(And How Custom Framing Protects It)
Brisbane’s warm weather is one of the reasons we love living here, but what many people don’t realise is how our tropical climate – particularly the high humidity – can seriously affect artwork, photographs and memorabilia. If not properly protected, moisture in the air can cause irreversible damage such as warping, mould, fading and discolouration. Whether you’re preserving precious family memories or showcasing valuable artwork, understanding how humidity impacts your pieces is essential.
As a personalised framing specialist based on Brisbane’s Southside, I’ve Been Framed works closely with clients to protect their items for the long term. Here’s what every Brisbanite should know.
Why Humidity Is Harmful to Artwork
Brisbane’s average humidity regularly exceeds 60%, with summer months peaking over 70%. Moisture exposure can lead to:
- Mould and mildew growth, especially on paper, canvas, and fabric items.
- Warping or buckling, when paper absorbs moisture and expands unevenly.
- Adhesive failure, causing backing materials or mounting tape to loosen over time.
- Fading and colour distortion, particularly if humidity combines with sunlight exposure.
Even framed artwork can be at risk if standard framing materials are used or there’s no protective barrier against moisture.
How Professional Custom Framing Helps
✔ Moisture-resistant backing and sealing
All frames are sealed on the back [unless customer requests them not to be] with a very adhesive brown framers’ tape, which helps protect moisture from getting between the backing board and the rebate of the frame.
Customers have the option of choosing acid-free, archival-quality backing board which resists moisture absorption. Correct sealing minimises air exchange and reduces the risk of mould and warping, plus brown craft paper can also be used to cover the entire back of the frame.
I have also previously used the silica moisture absorber sachets [those you find in shoe boxes etc] which help in preventing moisture damage. Was speaking with a fellow who works in a well-known art gallery and he told me that is what they use. Their artwork is also protected by temperature control; specific lighting, and the sachets they use are much bigger.
✔ UV-filtering glass
Humidity isn’t the only culprit—sunshine also plays a role. We recommend UV-protective glazing to prevent fading and heat exposure, ideal for rooms with natural light. I’ve Been Framed offers both clear as well as reflective control conservation glass.
✔ Professional mounting techniques
DIY framing often uses standard adhesives or tapes that deteriorate quickly in humid weather. Our conservation mounting methods allow your artwork to “breathe” while staying structurally stable.
✔ Spacing and airflow
Where suitable, we frame artwork using spacers to prevent the glass from touching the surface—this prevents condensation and image transfer. This is useful when the customer doesn’t want a matboard, just the image of display. Extremely disappointing when removing a precious phot from a fame, only to realise it has been ‘stuck to the glass and if removed, will cause permanent damage. If you are having photos framed without using a matboard, it is better to have them ‘stuck’ down on adhesive foamboard. The glass will sit in the rebate of the frame, the spacer will be adhered to the glass and the artwork which has been mounted will sit on the spacer, giving it the gap between artwork and the glass.
How to Look After Framed Artwork in Brisbane
Even with professional framing, location matters. We recommend:
- Avoid hanging artwork in bathrooms, laundries or kitchens.
- Keep pieces away from direct sunlight and air conditioning vents.
- Wipe frames gently to remove dust—never use cleaning sprays directly.
- If you notice warping or spotting, seek specialist advice immediately. This is something an art restorer will do, not a Picture Framer.
Why Choose I've Been Framed?
Being locally based on Brisbane’s Southside means we understand the climate and build our framing solutions around it. We specialise in:
- Personalised framing
Preservation of family photos and memorabilia.
Conservation framing for artwork 3D framing for textiles, jerseys and keepsakes
Protect Your Memories Today
If you have artwork, photos or keepsakes you’d like to safeguard, now is the perfect time to get them framed professionally—before Brisbane’s humidity causes permanent damage.
📍 Visit us on the Southside or get in touch today for a personalised framing consultation.
Your memories deserve more than just a frame. They deserve protection.