Essential Care Instructions
Every artwork that you purchase carries a little piece of heart and soul. To maximize the lifespan of your artwork and preserve its integrity and value, proper care is required. The following tips are easy-to-follow general practices that will help you maintain your art collection. If you are interested in more in-depth information about art preservation, you should consult a professional conservator.
Paintings
Handling
Display
When handling your painting, use a clean cloth or gloves to avoid touching the painted surface directly. If you must use your bare hands, make sure your hands are clean and dry to avoid transferring dirt or oils from your skin onto the artwork. Hold the painting from the sides to prevent direct contact with the painted surface.
Dirt and oils an cause surface discoloration, staining, and deterioration over time. They can attract and trap dust and pollutants, leading to a buildup that can be difficult to remove without causing further damage. Dirt and oils can even promote mold or mildew growth on your artwork.
Choose a location away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and high humidity. Avoid areas that are prone to moisture such as bathrooms or kitchens.
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UV rays from sunlight, or artificial light, can weaken materials and fade the pigments on your artwork. Excessive heat or cold can lead to expanding or contracting that can result in the artwork cracking or warping. High humidity levels can promote mold growth, warping, and deterioration of the artwork's surface and structure.
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Cleaning
Use a soft dry brush or a clean lint-free cloth to remove dust or light dirt from the painting's surface. Gently brush or wipe the surface in one direction. Avoid applying excessive pressure and do not apply any harsh chemicals to the artwork. Unless recommended by a professional conservator, you should not use water or cleaning solutions on the painting. ​
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Applying excessive pressure or using liquids to clean your artwork can cause damage such as smudging, fading, staining, or even removing layers of paint from the painting. These will compromise the integrity and original condition of your artwork.
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Storage
Store artwork flat or upright preferably using a dust cover. Face the artwork inward to prevent accidental damage or potential pressure on the painted surface. You may used padded, acid-free archival materials to support the painting and ensure that it remains secure. When storing multiple paintings together, use acid-free paper or glassine to separate each artwork and prevent them from sticking together or transferring paint.
The storage location should be dim, cool, clean, and dry. Ideal room temperature ranges from 68-75° F (20-24° C) with a relative humidity of around 40-50%. Fluctuations in these conditions can lead to cracking, warping, or even mold and mildew growth. If you are unable to store your artwork in a dim or dark place, you may use a UV-protective glass cover on the painted surface.
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Drawings
Handling
Display
When handling your drawing, use a clean cloth or gloves to avoid touching the paper directly. If you must use your bare hands, make sure your hands are clean and dry to avoid transferring dirt or oils from your skin onto the artwork. Hold the paper from the edges to prevent direct contact with the applied medium.
Dirt and oils an cause surface discoloration, staining, and deterioration over time. They can attract and trap dust and pollutants, leading to a buildup that can be difficult to remove without causing further damage. Dirt and oils can even promote mold or mildew growth on your artwork.
Frame your drawing under a UV-protectant glass to shield it from UV rays, dust, and moisture. Use acid-free mats, backing boards, and archival-quality mounting tapes to prevent degradation over time.
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Choose a location away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and high humidity. Avoid areas that are prone to moisture such as bathrooms or kitchens.
​
UV rays from sunlight, or artificial light, can weaken materials and fade the pigments on your artwork. High humidity levels can promote mold growth, warping, and deterioration of the artwork.
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Cleaning
Cleaning unframed artwork, without consulting a professional conservator, may risk harm to the artwork and is not recommended.
To clean your framed artwork, use a soft lint-free cloth or soft brush to remove dust and debris from the frame's surface. Regular dusting should prevent dirt or grime buildup that could cause harm to the artwork. Avoid applying water or cleaning solutions directly on the frame, as they can seep inside and damage your artwork.
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Storage
Store unframed artwork inside any acid-free protective materials such as a sleeve, envelope, archival folder, or archival box. The artwork may be stored flat to prevent bending, creasing, or warping.
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Framed artwork can be stored inside the frame, as long as the proper acid-free backing, matting, and archival-quality mounting tape is used. Using these materials will aid in preventing acid migration that could damage your artwork over time.
The storage location should be dim, cool, clean, and dry. Ideal room temperature ranges from 68-75° F (20-24° C) with a relative humidity of around 40-50%. Fluctuations in these conditions can lead to warping, or even mold and mildew growth.
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