Humidity-Moving to San Francisco

sailorsv13 · Post by **sailorsv13** » Sun May 03, 2009 1:54 pm

I apologize because I understand this topic has been addressed before, however I have searched previous posts and haven't found a definitive answer to my problem. I am moving to San Francisco (peninsula) and of course my primary concern about the move is the welfare of my cels ^.^ Much to the irritation of my boyfriend!

I guess I am looking for what amount of humidity is acceptable for storing cels in and whether I will run in to any problems living on the coast there. I have heard that some people have trouble with mildew in SF closets! Ick! I am coming from Nevada where, well, there is very little humidity so I haven't had to deal with anything like this in my life. So I need the help of Beta experts ^.~

Is there a range of percentage humidity in the air that is OK for cels? San Francisco's monthly humidity ranges from 59-87%. Would you even recommend I take them to SF? I want to avoid leaving them at home because I will be moving for three years and do not trust my parents with my cels either 0.0 They would probaby put them in their storage unit subject to contamination from god knows what kind of elements!

~If you do think it will be ok to store cels in that amount of humidity, do you have any tips for storage in humid conditions other than finding the most dark and dry place, keeping them in proper cel books, punching a couple of holes in the cel bags, and taking them out of the bags to let them air out every once in a while? ~

I read about getting a dehumidifier if things are really bad, but can you keep one of those in a closet? Seems like a fire hazard, or does it work if you just have it on in the room? So many questions, sorry again!

Thank you so much for the help!

~ Bri ~

cutiebunny · Post by **cutiebunny** » Sun May 03, 2009 3:13 pm

It's humid in San Francisco

I've never experienced humidity(at least in terms of that which I've experienced in Virginia, Georgia and Florida in the summer), so I can't say that I take any additonal methods in terms of cel preservation. I place my items in cel bags and place them in itoya or polypropelene folders and keep them in a dark area of my room.

As for mold in closets, its common if that closet doesn't have any ventilation or light inside, especially in the corners. You'd probably experience this anywhere in the United States that does have a moderate amount of rainfall. As long as you open the windows sometimes to allow fresh air to come into the house, I don't think you'll have a problem. I, personally, have never used a de-humidifier and have never felt the need to use one.

All in all, I don't think it's anything that you need to worry about. I haven't noticed any damage to items that I've had for several years now and they've been in San Francisco for the entire time I've had them.

sailorsv13 · Post by **sailorsv13** » Sun May 03, 2009 9:20 pm

Thank you for your advice cutiebunny

I finally found a website that said art should is best around 50% humidity, ugh. I have searched but mostly came up with recommendations for figuring out how to allow air to circulate around the art piece if it is on the wall. Actually, I read that when you bring artwork from a relatively non-humid area to one that is it could cause the paint to crack and chip. Has anyone ever experienced this problem? I am guessing that one solution might be to remove cels from their bags for a bit to let them breath with the new environment but I'm really not sure. I guess I am looking for answers that aren't ordinary because I am overly cautious and like to hear creative solutions for problems like this! I would love to hear your stories/advice!

sailorsv13 · Post by **sailorsv13** » Tue Oct 13, 2009 12:31 pm

That is great advice momo! Thank you so much! Actually, I do have my cels stored in their books, in a big plastic storage bin with a lid (isn't air tight). But I have the bin located somewhat close to the bathroom and it does get pretty moist there. Although I have the bin wrapped in a wet-proof blanket so I've opened up the bin and it is totally dry in there. Do you think it will ever become a problem? Thanks!

I live in pacific heights, so my apartment is pretty old :*(

Thanks again!
Bri

sailorsv13 · Post by **sailorsv13** » Wed Oct 14, 2009 8:32 pm

I would have never thought of the silica packets! Thanks! It is really difficult to get away from the moisture in my apartment as everything is small and pretty much connected. My room is in between the bathroom and the kitchen so it is right in the middle of all of it

But I suppose I could move the cels to my smaller closet, should be less moist and easier to keep the moisture out! I definitely have my cels sitting upright. I use leather zip-up portfolios that can stand up like books and I have had them upright in the bin so that the cels don't weigh on each other.

Thank you so much again!