The seasons might not be something you consider when you’re buying everyday goods online, but they’ll undoubtedly be on your mind when shipping fine art. Temperature fluctuations, humidity, and precipitation can all cause a significant amount of damage to fine art if adequate precautions aren’t taken. Awareness of and preparation for seasonal risks can go a long way toward helping you keep your sensitive fine art safe in transit.
Winter Cold Temperature and Condensation Risks
Dealing with winter cold and condensation complicates transporting fine art. Moving art from cold outdoor environments to heated indoor spaces can cause condensation on surfaces and within packing materials. The main risks associated with winter are condensation inside packing crates, brittle materials from cold exposure, and moisture buildup during temperature transitions.
That’s why professional movers use a range of advanced packing equipment, such as moisture blankets, which can form part of a layered packing system to help regulate humidity. Professional movers also take additional steps, such as avoiding unheated vehicles for transporting fine art and allowing artwork to acclimate before unpacking.
Unpredictable Spring Weather and Rising Humidity
Despite the beauty of the cherry blossoms and many spring exhibitions that make spring a highly anticipated season, it’s certainly not a moving company’s favorite. Spring is the season of unpredictable weather and rising humidity, with frequent rain and fluctuating temperatures generally expected.
These conditions aren’t just uncomfortable as you navigate everyday life, but they’re also challenging if you regularly work with paper, textiles, and unsealed wood. When moving such materials, you regularly face moisture intrusion from rain, rapid humidity changes, and inadequate protection during brief outdoor exposure.
However, most professional movers take several steps to reduce the risk of artwork damage, such as planning for weather-related delays, using covered loading areas, and applying moisture barriers and blankets to protect against damp conditions. They also ensure artworks are adequately sealed before transport.
Summer Heat and Humidity
The high temperatures and humidity of summer pose significant challenges for fine art shippers and owners alike. Adhesives and finishes can soften, and frames and panels can warp. Mold is also a genuine risk. These risks are especially high during long-distance shipping and cross-climate transport.
Art shippers can reduce the risk of damage from summer heat and humidity by using climate-controlled vehicles, limiting prolonged heat exposure during loading and unloading, and incorporating moisture blankets and barriers.
Fall Transitional Conditions and Plummeting Temperatures
In the fall, humidity is still lingering, but the temperatures are falling. As a result, the environment can be considerably unstable during this time. Warm-to-cool transitions result in condensation, which equals increased moisture during transit and storage.
To reduce the risk of fall-condition-related art damage, shippers must closely monitor forecasts, adjust packing based on the destination climate, and use professional packing materials designed for protection.
Seasonal weather changes have a greater impact on art shipping than you might think. To ensure safe passage for fine art, moving and shipping companies must account for all seasons and plan accordingly, using the best packaging materials and practices.