How to care for your art
Taking care of fine art is very simple and rewarding if you follow these seven key tips:
- Display in a Suitable Environment: Keep the artwork away from extreme temperatures and humidity. Ideal conditions are around 18-24°C with relative humidity at 40 to 45%. Avoid placing art near direct sunlight, heaters, or air conditioning units.
- Dust Regularly: Use a soft cloth to dust the surface gently. Avoid using cleaning products as they can damage the artwork.
- Handle with Care: When moving or handling artwork, always use clean, soft gloves and carry it from the sides of the frame.
- Protect from Light: Keep artwork away from direct sunlight and harsh artificial lights. Use UV-filtering glass or acrylic for framed pieces and ensure lights are placed at least 3 meters away.
- Avoid Smoke and Chemicals: Keep artwork away from smoke, candles, fireplaces, and strong chemicals. These can cause soot and other deposits on the surface.
- Proper Framing: Use acid-free materials for framing and backing to prevent damage.
- Regular Inspections: Periodically check your artwork for any signs of deterioration or damage. Mold, wood worm, silverfish (Kamla) and cockroaches are particularly dangerous. Early detection can prevent major issues.