Some people love to decorate their entire houses with beautiful acrylic paintings. But what about the bathroom? With all the moisture and temperature shifts, can we hang an acrylic painting in the bathroom?
An acrylic painting can be hung in a bathroom if you take the necessary precautions to protect it. Acrylic paintings tend to be durable and water-resistant. Make sure to have it framed with backing and pay extra attention to decrease humidity in your bathroom.
In this article, we’ll go over some tips and safety measures to protect your acrylic painting when it’s displayed in the bathroom, and answer the question Can an Acrylic Painting Be Hung in a Bathroom?
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Tips for Hanging an Acrylic Painting in a Bathroom
Acrylic paintings are known to be relatively durable. It’s fairly water-resistant and resistant to heat
to a certain extent. This is why acrylic paintings make good candidates for bathroom artwork.
However, placing an acrylic painting in a bathroom still pose some risk. Without the right safety measures, your acrylic painting might get damaged or start to warp.
Not to worry! Here are some foolproof tips to ensure your acrylic painting stays in good shape even when displayed in an unconventional location.
Choose a Good Sealant for Your Painting
If you haven’t already, choose and apply a good sealant on your artwork before displaying it.
Acrylic paint may be water-resistant to a certain degree, but it’s not completely waterproof. So, while your painting can withstand a few water droplets now and again, constant exposure to moisture can cause it to degrade over time.
This is where sealants and varnish come in. A good sealant can add a layer of protective seal to preserve your artwork. It will protect your artwork from the elements and make it more splash-resistant. Thus, making the painting more suitable to be displayed in a bathroom.
Furthermore, sealants can also enhance the look of your artwork. When an acrylic painting dries, the colors usually become darker and dull. Sealants can reduce this effect, enriching the colors and adding a lovely gloss to your artwork.
So, do your research and pick a good sealant for your painting. If you’re unsure which sealant to use, this Sargent Art Acrylic Gloss and Varnish from Amazon.com is a good choice. It gives acrylic paintings a glossy coat that’s also permanent, waterproof, and protective. This sealant is also non-toxic, making it the perfect option for your unconventional bathroom artwork.
- AP certified; non-toxic and safe
- Dries to a permanent, waterproof, protective finish
- Mix with acrylic paint or use as a clear coat
Last update on 2024-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Prepare the Bathroom To Protect Your Art
After prepping the painting, pay attention to your bathroom and prepare it. You’ll likely know how steamy your bathroom gets from experience. But since high humidity can damage an acrylic painting, it’s still a good idea to recheck the humidity of your bathroom.
A good test for this is checking whether condensation collects on the walls after a shower or a bath. Alternatively, a humidity gauge can give you the exact numbers. This will be extremely helpful since a stable 40-60% relative humidity is generally necessary to preserve your painting.
This GoaBroa Digital Mini Hygrometer and Thermometer from Amazon.com is perfect for the task. It has advanced humidity and temperature sensors that give you highly accurate readings. Plus, its tiny size makes it easy to place in the bathroom without taking up too much space.
- 【Fast Response】The Fast Response That Measures Every 10 Seconds With 4 Sensitive VENTS to...
- 【High Accuracy】Advanced Humidity&Temperature sensor maintains accuracy to +/- 1% ; Temperature...
- Mini Digital LCD Humidity Thermometer allows you to easily know the environment temperature and...
Last update on 2024-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
To minimize humidity in the bathroom, ensure you have a working vent fan. You should also leave it on while you shower. If the bathroom usually gets super steamy, you should run it up to an hour after showering. Keeping your door and windows open after showering may also reduce humidity levels.
Consider Framing the Painting
Next, you should also consider getting the painting framed. This will not just provide extra protection but will also make it easier to hang the artwork. It’s especially important if your acrylic painting was done on paper instead of canvas.
First, choose the right material. Wood frames are some of the best options available because they can expand or retract slightly, adjusting to the bathroom’s constant temperature changes. This will prevent warping and cracking on your painting. Aluminum frames are also a good choice, considering how durable they are.
Next, avoid glass coverings, as they can trap moisture. Eventually, trapped moisture can stain and ruin the colors of your artwork.
Consider using acrylic glazing instead since it won’t trap any moisture. Plus, it’s also shatterproof, making it the safer choice.
Hang the Painting With a Slight Gap at the Back
Remember how condensation tends to collect on your bathroom walls? That’s why you shouldn’t hang your painting flush to the wall.
Always leave a slight gap at the back when hanging your artwork. This will prevent water droplets from getting on the painting and increase airflow. Good circulation is key to extending the lifespan of your artwork and preserving its appearance.
Know the Best Spots To Hang a Painting
Lastly, you should know the best spots to display your bathroom artwork.
The best and safest place to display your acrylic painting is above the towel bar. This spot is generally further away from steam and water sources. Just make sure to avoid hanging the artwork too close to the bar, as you may accidentally damage it when you reach for a towel.
The second best spot to hang your acrylic painting is above the toilet. Your toilet typically doesn’t get as hot or steamy as your shower does. However, if your artwork is on the larger side, it may look awkward hanging over the toilet. This spot is best reserved for small or tall, vertical paintings.
Lastly, if your acrylic painting is large, consider displaying it above the bathtub. This will make your bathtub the center of attention. However, beware of the steam and splashes that may get on your painting. For that reason, hanging your artwork slightly higher above the tub is recommended.
Final Words
Considering how hot and humid a bathroom can get, it’s no wonder why some preach against hanging artwork in the bathroom. But don’t let that discourage you. You can safely hang an acrylic painting in the bathroom with the right precautions.
The key is to seal the painting and minimize the bath’s humidity. If you keep those things in mind, you won’t have to worry about damaging your artwork.
