Response time and dimensional variation of paper to fluctuations in relative humidity: implications for its preventive conservation

Authors

Keywords:

relative humidity, preventive conservation, paper, termo-hygrometric variations, large-format, anisotropy

Abstract

he response of paper to fluctuations in relative humidity (RH) is a key factor in its conservation, display, and storage, particularly for large-format artworks. This study examines the dimensional behavior of three types of paper under changing moisture conditions, measuring longitudinal and transversal variations every five minutes until equilibrium was reached. The results show that most dimensional change occurs within the first 10–15 minutes after a change in RH, and that stabilization occurs within 20 minutes in all cases. As expected, pronounced anisotropic behavior was observed: expansion was slower and more pronounced in the cross direction (CD) than in the machine direction (MD). The aged paper showed a less pronounced response and faster stabilization, suggesting a reduced capacity for water adsorption and desorption, associated with fibre ageing. These findings provide a basis for understanding how and when paper responds to changes in RH, and offer useful criteria for preventive conservation, particularly in the context of increasing flexibility in environmental conditions within cultural institutions.

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Author Biographies

María Sobrino Estalrich, Universitat Politècnica de València

María Sobrino Estalrich realizó sus estudios de grado y máster en la Universitat Politècnica de Valencia (UPV) y actualmente está cursando un doctorado dentro del Programa de Doctorado en Conservación y Restauración de la misma universidad. Su investigación doctoral se enmarca en el proyecto europeo GreenArt, en el que también colabora como investigadora en la UPV. Su campo de estudio se centra en la restauración de obra gráfica y la investigación de nuevos materiales. Asimismo, ha participado en trabajos para el Taller de Obra Gráfica y Documental del Instituto de Restauración del Patrimonio de la UPV como restauradora de diferentes ocasiones.

Salvador Muñoz-Viñas, Univeristat Politècnica de València

Salvador Muñoz-Viñas es Catedrático del Departamento de Conservación y Restauración de la Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV). Es licenciado en geografía e historia por la Universidad de Valencia (UV), y en Bellas Artes por la UPV, además de doctor en bellas artes por esta última institución. Actualmente, es jefe del Taller de Obra Gráfica y Documental del Instituto de Restauración del Patrimonio de la UPV. Ha publicado numerosos artículos y colaboraciones sobre restauración, así como varios libros como Teoría Contemporánea de la Restauración, La restauración de papel, o On the Ethics of Cultural Heritage Conservation.

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Published

2026-03-17

How to Cite

Sobrino Estalrich, M., & Muñoz-Viñas, S. (2026). Response time and dimensional variation of paper to fluctuations in relative humidity: implications for its preventive conservation. Ge-conservacion, 29(1), 64–72. Retrieved from https://revista.ge-iic.com/index.php/revista/article/view/1483

Issue

Vol. 29 No. 1 (2026): Ge-conservación Nº29

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