Waterproofing a frame

[photech54]

Hi,

I have a client who has purchased a waterproof artwork to hang in a bathroom.

They have asked if I could apply a matt yacht varnish to the frame to make that waterproof.

Are there any alarm bells that should be going off in my head with this?

Has anybody ever done this for a client at all?

Any problems or things that I need to take in to consideration?

Thanks in advance.

[prospero]

An interesting thought.....

Most frames will stand up the humid conditions quite well depending on the finish.

But you can't just slap varnish on a frame. The surface would need preparing or the varnish is going to
flake off. Unless it is raw wood. This would involve sanding the finish down which would defeat the object
of protecting the frame.

[Justintime]

Liberon finishing oil is recommended for kitchens bathrooms etc. Two to three coats does it.

[JKX]

What is the art on, or finished with to make it waterproof?

You could provide an aluminium frame or even a plastic one.

[pramsay13]

Frames themselves are reasonably waterproof, it is normally the contents such as paper and condensation on glass that will cause issues.
I wouldn't have an issue painting a bare wood frame and have done it before although I think you get a nicer finish by staining and waxing.

[JFeig]

Lets start with the basics. How do you define being "waterproof"? Are we talking being "water resistant"?

Are we talking being dunking into the tub, attacked by high humidity or splashing water from a sink or shower? Will the art be actually be in the shower, or on an adjoining wall in the room? Is this protection to be required 24/7/365 with no air flow in this room or only during when a person is taking a hot shower?

Just sealing the moulding with a sealer coating to the outside surface(s) will not prevent any penetration into the internal components of the frame.

[Justintime]

I think we're all in the same boat. The more I read the first post the less I understand.
Is it an already framed piece of "waterproof" art or a piece of art that requires framing?

[JoeB]

I would say that one of the more important parts is to ensure that customer has the artwork lifted off the wall so it does not seal and draw damp in.

[David]

I wouldn't bother doing anything, it's liable to cause more issues, as long as the artwork is protected. Probably cheaper to replace the frame if required which may never be needed.

The only time I did anything like this was for a series of posters to be hung around an indoor swimming pool. We did it all wrong, fitted glass front and back and sealed the edge with silicone then fitted aluminium frames, we had also advised the customer of probable issues before starting. They were a regular customer and I often asked how they were standing up and they lasted for several years that I know of with no problems.

I have several pictures in the bathrooms at home, they get steamy with baths and showers, they are all standard framing (wood frames) with no special treatment and are fine.