How to Care for Your Paintings & Works on Paper

Some simple care instructions to ensure lasting life and enjoyment for your paintings and art.

Difficulty Level: Easy    Time Required: N/A

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Here's How:

1. Never hang paintings or works on paper in direct or bright sunlight. It will cause fading and cracking.
2. Heat, smoke dust and soot will damage artwork hung over a working fireplace.
3. Avoid touching your art with your bare hands. The oils on your skin will damage the work. Wash your hands to minimize damage before touching artwork.
4. Avoid hanging artwork on exterior walls. Inadequate insulation can cause condensation and extreme variations in temperature which will damage your artwork.
5. Do not store artwork in unheated areas or areas where the temperature is not controlled and fluctuates, such as attics or basements.
6. The ideal environment for artwork has a constant temperature -- between 55-72 degrees Fahrenheit. Use moist heat in winter and air conditioning in the summer.
7. Paintings on canvas will naturally loosen over time. Have canvases restretched as required.
8. Works on paper should be completely enclosed in a frame, with glass or plexiglass as protection. Ideally, the frame is completely sealed and only archival materials were used in the matting and framing process.
9. Soft bushes or a feather duster should be used to clean paintings -- a soft cloth will leave lint. Do not flex painting or dislodge paint chips when dusting. Do not dust paintings with loose, flaking paint.
10. Brush or vacuum the back of paintings. Works on paper should have a protective cover on the back of the frame but this area should also be vacuumed to prevent dust accumulation.
11. If surface dust on a painting cannot be removed with dusting, dampen cotton swabs with distilled water and lightly roll across the surface to remove dirt. Do not attempt this method if paint is flaking.
12. Holiday decorations look wonderful but can cause severe damage to your artwork. Avoid hanging live greens and berries on your artwork. They can stain and damage paintings and frames as well as introduce insect pests.
    

Tips:

1. Document your artwork. Attach all information regarding purchase, the artist, the subject matter, dates, appraisals and any information you have about the work to the back. This information is valuable when you or your estate is appraising or selling the work.
2. Do not attempt to clean heavily-soiled paintings. Leave cleaning to professional conservators and restorers.
   

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• How to Hang Artwork for Maximum Appreciation
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