Art as an Investment: How to Preserve
& Protect Paintings
Caring for Original Paintings
Original paintings are valuable investments, both emotionally and financially. To maintain their beauty and preserve their worth, proper care and preservation are essential. This guide provides key steps for caring for your paintings, helping ensure their longevity and safeguarding their value for years to come. For specific concerns or unique needs regarding your artwork, consulting a professional conservator is always recommended.
1. Maintain the Right Environment
Temperature and Humidity: Keep temperatures between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit with 40-50% humidity. Extreme fluctuations can cause paint and canvas to crack or warp.
Avoid Direct Sunlight: Ultraviolet rays can damage and fade paintings. Hang artwork away from direct sunlight and consider UV-protective glass if necessary.
Ventilation: Ensure proper air circulation without exposing paintings to drafts or excessive air flow, which can cause stress to the material.
2. Handle with Care
Wear Gloves: When handling paintings, wear clean, lint-free cotton gloves to avoid transferring oils from your skin.
Hold Correctly: Hold paintings from the sides/edges or base, not the painted surface. While the primary concern for the care of a canvas painting is usually directed towards the front or painted surface, it is still advisable to be cautious with the back side by making sure fingers do not press against the back of canvas.
3. Display with Caution
Safe Positioning: Keep paintings away from heat sources, windows, and areas prone to moisture like bathrooms. Maintain a stable environment with consistent temperature and humidity levels. Extreme fluctuations can lead to cracking or warping.
Secure Hanging: Use proper anchors and ensure that the painting is securely mounted.
Ensuring Longevity
To ensure the longevity of your paintings, consider both routine maintenance and proactive measures to guard against damage and deterioration. Here's what you can do:
1. Regular Cleaning and Professional Care
Gentle Dusting: Dust lightly with a soft clean natural bristle brush. Avoid using water or cleaning products. A soft cloth may be used for items like cold wax or encaustic in order to buff to a soft sheen. However be sure there are no nubs or textured areas that come in contact with a cloth. Nubs may be tugged loose and can potentially damage the painted surface.
Artwork behind glass - Do not spray the glass with cleaner! Instead spray a cloth with glass cleaner then wipe glass.
Professional Restoration: If a painting requires deeper cleaning or repair, consult a professional conservator.
2. Proper Framing and Glass Protection
High-Quality Frame: Use a good-quality frame with acid-free matting with backing to protect from environmental factors.
Glass or Acrylic Protection: Glass or acrylic can help protect from dust and accidental contact, but ensure there's enough space between the painting and the glass to prevent trapping moisture.
3. Secure Storage
Safe Storage: For long-term storage, keep paintings upright or flat with appropriate support and use acid-free materials.
Climate-Controlled Environment: Consider climate-controlled storage for prolonged storage to avoid damage from temperature and humidity changes.
4. Insurance and Documentation
Insure Valuable Paintings: Ensure proper insurance to cover potential damage, loss, or theft.
Maintain Documentation: Keep detailed records, including photographs, appraisals, and artwork lineage.
By following these guidelines, you can help preserve and protect your original paintings, ensuring they remain valuable investments for years to come. If you have specific questions or concerns about your artwork, seeking advice from a professional conservator or restorer is recommended.