How to care for your art

Taking care of a piece of art is as important as choosing the right artwork. As you have invested a considerable amount of time and money in building your art collection, the next step is to take care of your collection physically.

Here are five easy steps on how to display and care for your art collection to make sure it remains perfect for years to come.

1. Know your medium

Artists use a wide variety of paints and colours, ranging from watercolours to oil paints or sometimes an unusual combination of several mediums to various surfaces. Understanding the medium of the artworks helps in determining the kind of framing to be done. Most of the paintings should be framed without the glass frame; however drawings and pastels are few exceptions that work well with the glass frames.

2. Give your art good light

Providing the right light for your artwork is one of the most essential steps in taking care for your piece. It is important to find the right spot to display the piece where it looks arresting but without direct sunlight as UV rays can cause serious damage to the painting- better to place it next to the window rather than in front of it. The ideal lighting for the paintings would be diffused or coated artificial lights.

3. Hang Securely

It is important to consider the weight of the artwork with the frame and strength of wall where you will be displaying the painting. Medium sized works can be easily hung using nails while it can be a bit tough for the huge paintings or several pieces displayed together. It is best to chat with a professional framer if you have doubts about hanging the big and tricky pieces.

4. Dust Frequently

Dust you artworks frequently. Dusting prevents unwanted particles from entering inside the artwork. Use a soft cotton cloth to dust off the frames and surface with a gentle hand. For textured surfaces it is best to use a soft brush. A soft painting brush or unused make up brush would work perfectly. It is advisable to not use water on the acrylic and mixed media surface. It is ideal to reach out to an art restorer in case of doubt. 

5.  Do not use chemicals

One must never use any kind of chemical or chemical based cleaners to clean the paining. It could result into the fading or leaking of paints or can permanently damage the painting. Consult a professional conservator if your artwork requires deeper cleaning.  

 

Keeping your art clean and protected should be of utmost importance to you, whether you are an avid collector, an investor or just decorating your home. Check your artworks regularly for signs and problems as prevention is always better than cure !