Caring for artwork

 

Avoid direct sunlight

Directly sunlight fades colours and discolour paper. Try to avoid hanging pictures directly opposite large windows. Special UV-protection glasses can help to slow down the process. 

Beware of humidity

Avoid hanging and storing pictures in humid conditions. Dampness can cause picture to ripple, which might touch the glass, the cause the picture to stick to the glass, which is hard to remove. It also encourage fungal growth, leaving brown stains or mould. Keep the room well-ventilated, and turn on the dehumidifier during humid season.  

Avoid heat / rapid temperature change

Ideally pictures should not be hung above radiators, or being exposed near the air conditioner ventilation fan. Extreme or rapid changes in temperature cause paper and wood to dry out and adhesives to fail. it will also create moisture within the glass that could damage the painting. 

Hang securely

Make sure screws or hooks are secure enough to support the painting weight. When safely is crucial, in a children's bedroom or crowded public area for example, talk to our framers about security fittings and glazing.   

Clean gently 

Dust frames with a soft brush, rather than risk applying water or cleaning fluids. Don't use cleaning fluids or water on the varnished surface of oil paintings; again dust carefully. If cleaning fluids have to be used on the glass, apply them to a cloth first (rather than spraying the glass directly); take care not to let the fluids touch the frame, as the liquid is likely to run down between the frame and glass, which could damage the artwork. 

Handle with care 

When carrying and transporting a picture, grasp the frame firmly on both sides. If you have to store pictures, make sure they are stacked vertically and the right way up. When stacking pictures, stand them 'glass to glass' so that the hangers do not damage the frames.   

 

Reference: The Fine Art Trade Guild