CARE OF ARTWORK
After buying a piece of art, it is important to treat it with care. Art is an investment, and with proper handling it can remain in peak condition for a lifetime. Educating yourself about how to protect your artwork is one of the wisest things you will do if you plan to continue collecting and investing in art.
1
KEEP YOUR PAINTINGS OUT OF DIRECT SUNLIGHT
KEEP YOUR PAINTINGS OUT OF DIRECT SUNLIGHT
2
DO NOT LEAN ANYTHING AGAINST THE SURFACE OF A CANVAS
Your painting might have a protective layer of varnish over the paint, or glass over a picture, but it is still possible for it crack or fade if subjected to bright sunlight for long periods of time.
Objects near a painting may not seem sharp enough to pierce the canvas, but it is always surprising what will cause a scratch or rip. Store your paintings away from anything that might press against the surface, and try not to lean paintings against one another when storing them. Separate them with pieces of cardboard to avoid damage.
3
DUST YOUR PAINTINGS WITH A CLEAN SOFT CLOTH OCCASIONALLY TO PREVENT DUST BUILD UP
KEEP YOUR PAINTINGS OUT OF DIRECT SUNLIGHT
4
HANG YOUR PAINTINGS AWAY FROM BUSY & MESSY AREAS
5
WRAP YOUR PAINTING WELL IF YOU PLAN TO TRANSPORT IT
6
TRY TO AVOID SUBJECTING YOUR PAINTINGS TO EXTREME CHANGES IN ATMOSPHERE
7
DO NOT FRAME CANVAS UNDER GLASS
8
DO NOT COVER PAINTINGS WITH PLASTIC FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME
Don't use cleaning products or water on exposed paint or canvas!
Over time paintings can accumulate a thin layer of dust and pollutants, airborne grime from cooking oils, particles from smoking and insect specks. Try to position your painting away from such contaminants.
Be sure to put a piece of cardboard over the front to protect the canvas, or put bubble wrap around it. Rough handling can damage both the canvas and the frame so pack it securely.
Avoid excessive dryness, humidity, heat or cold. All of these conditions can affect the state of your artwork in a negative way - canvas puckering, painting cracking etc.
...because canvas needs to breathe. A painting can take a long time to dry or "cure" completely. If it is framed under glass before it dries you will trap moisture inside the frame.
If there is humidity in the air, they may start to grow mould. Cotton sheets are best for keeping dust away.