A framed photograph or art print is one of the most inexpensive ways to decorate a bathroom.
But there’s one problem.
Moisture.
The moisture from baths and showers can build up inside the frame and damage pictures.
So how do you moisture proof picture frames for your bathroom?
In this post, I’m going to show you how I moisture proofed picture frames for my bathroom. It’s inexpensive, super easy, and it actually works!
I’ve had the same four framed art prints in my bathroom for six years and my prints look as good as the day I bought them.
What You’ll Need
- Artwork or picture of your choice
- Moisture resistant frame with glass and matting (Amazon)
- Foam core backing boards (Amazon)
- Frame sealing tape (Amazon)
- Bumper pads (Amazon)
Art Prints or Photos on Archival Materials
Art Prints
If possible, choose art that’s printed on acid-free, archival materials because it’s more likely to withstand humidity.
I also recommend choosing inexpensive art for your bathroom, like the art prints sold on Society6. This way, if anything goes wrong, you’ll easily be able to afford a replacement.
Limited edition prints or any artwork with monetary or sentimental value should be displayed in another room.
Photographs
Similar to art prints, any photograph with sentimental value should not be displayed in your bathroom.
My suggestion for photographs is this:
Do not hang photos in your bathroom unless you have a digital copy or negatives of the photograph. This way, if there’s any damage you can have it replaced.
You can also use your printer to print your photographs. I recommend using water and smudge resistant photo paper like the HP’s Photo Paper Premium Plus (Amazon).
Picture Frames Suitable for Bathrooms
Frames, glass, and plexiglass all help protect your pictures and prints from moisture. Not only will frames and glass protect your pictures or prints, but they will also make your prints look like an expensive piece of fine art.
Stick to painted wood, metal, or plastic frames because these are water resistant.
⇨ Check out an example of a moisture resistant frame with glass and matting (Amazon).
Use foam core backing boards (Amazon) instead of M.D.F. (Medium Density Fibreboard), cardboard, or thin plywood materials that often come with frames. Foam core boards will help with any moisture from getting all the way to your picture.
Picture Matting
Separate the picture from the glass with a mat.
The space between the mat and the glass is necessary to keep air circulating in the frame and prevent any condensation that could potentially get the picture to stick to the glass.
Frame Sealing Tape
Completely cover the gaps between the backing board behind the picture and the frame with frame sealing tape (Amazon) so that the frame is airtight.
Bumper Pads
On the back of the picture frame, place a bumper pad (Amazon) at each corner before you hang it on the wall.
The bumper pads will create a space between the picture frame and the wall. This is important because you need air to flow behind the picture frame. Without bumper pads, mold can start to grow and ruin the back of your frame.
Exhaust Fan or Dehumidifier
Help keep your bathroom ventilated by turning on your exhaust fan when you’re bathing or showering.
If you don’t have an exhaust fan, you might want to check out hOmeLabs’ compact dehumidifier for bathrooms (Amazon).
Metal Prints
If you want art in your bathroom that stands up to humidity, there’s another option to consider:
Metal prints.
Metal prints, like the ones on Society6 and Redbubble, not only stand up to high humidity, but they’re completely waterproof. So they’re definitely a great option when decorating your bathroom.