How do you take care of art?

Caring for art involves creating an optimal environment and following best practices to preserve its beauty, integrity, and value for generations.

Taking care of art is essential for its longevity and aesthetic appeal. Proper maintenance protects artworks from environmental damage, physical degradation, and deterioration over time, ensuring they remain cherished pieces for future appreciation.

Environmental Control: The Foundation of Art Preservation

The environment in which art is displayed or stored plays a critical role in its preservation. Unstable conditions can lead to irreversible damage.

Guarding Against Light Damage

Light, especially direct sunlight and UV rays, can be highly destructive to artworks. It causes colors to fade, materials to become brittle, and can accelerate degradation processes.

• Avoid Direct Sunlight: Always hang artwork outside of direct sunlight or away from windows that receive intense, unfiltered light. Even indirect sunlight over time can cause fading and damage.
• Utilize UV Protection: For framed pieces, consider using UV-filtering glass or acrylic which blocks harmful ultraviolet rays.
• Control Artificial Lighting: While artificial light is generally less damaging than natural light, excessive heat or certain light types (like fluorescents) can still pose a risk. Opt for LED lighting, which emits very little UV and heat.

Managing Temperature and Humidity

Fluctuations in temperature and humidity are major culprits behind art degradation. Materials like wood, canvas, and paper expand and contract, leading to cracking, warping, and mold growth.

• Maintain Stability: Pay attention to temperature and humidity. Art thrives in stable conditions. Generally, a temperature range of 68-72°F (20-22°C) and a relative humidity of 45-55% is recommended for most artworks.
• Avoid Extremes: Never place art near heat sources (radiators, fireplaces) or air conditioning vents, as these cause rapid fluctuations.
• Monitor Conditions: Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels in your display and storage areas. Use humidifiers or dehumidifiers as needed to maintain stability.

Proper Handling, Display, and Placement

Careful handling and strategic placement minimize physical damage and protect artworks from everyday hazards.

Mindful Placement

Where you place your art significantly impacts its safety and longevity.

• Distance from Water Sources: Keep art a safe distance from water sources, such as sinks, showers, toilets, and even frequently watered plants. Accidental splashes, leaks, or high humidity from these areas can cause water damage, mold, or material deterioration.
• Avoid High-Traffic Areas: Display delicate pieces in areas where they are less likely to be bumped, brushed against, or knocked over.
• Secure Mounting: Ensure artwork is securely mounted using appropriate hardware for its weight and size, reducing the risk of falling.

Safe Handling Techniques

When you need to move or interact with your art, proper techniques are crucial.

• Clean Hands: Always handle artwork with clean, dry hands. For very sensitive pieces, wear white cotton gloves to prevent transferring oils and dirt from your skin.
• Support Properly: When moving framed art, hold it by the sides of the frame, supporting the bottom. Never pick up a canvas by the stretcher bars or delicate sculptures by protruding elements.
• Minimize Contact: Touch the artwork itself as little as possible.

Cleaning and Regular Maintenance

Routine care keeps art looking its best and helps identify potential issues early.

Routine Cleaning

Regular, gentle cleaning is part of good art care.

• Gentle Dusting: Keep it clean by gently dusting framed art, sculptures, and surfaces with a soft, clean, dry brush (like a very soft paintbrush or a makeup brush) or a lint-free microfiber cloth.
• No Liquids or Chemicals: Never use water, cleaning sprays, or chemical cleaners directly on an artwork's surface. These can damage paints, varnishes, and other materials.
• Framed Artwork: For framed art with glass or acrylic, you can carefully clean the glass with a mild glass cleaner sprayed onto a cloth (not directly onto the glass, to prevent seepage). Ensure no liquid touches the art or frame.

When to Call a Professional

Some issues are beyond routine care and require expert intervention.

• Damage or Deterioration: If you notice tears, cracks, significant discoloration, mold growth, or pest infestation, consult a professional art conservator.
• Complex Cleaning: For valuable or delicate pieces, or if routine dusting isn't enough, professional cleaning might be necessary. Never attempt to "restore" or deep clean a painting yourself.

Secure and Mindful Storage

Proper storage is crucial for art not currently on display, protecting it from damage, dust, and environmental hazards.

Best Practices for Storing Art

• Store with Care: Art should always be stored with care in a controlled environment, ideally similar to display conditions (stable temperature and humidity). Avoid storing art in basements, attics, or garages where conditions fluctuate wildly.
• Archival Materials: Use acid-free and archival materials for wrapping and boxing art. This includes acid-free tissue paper, cardboard, and museum-quality storage boxes.
• Protection from Dust and Pests: Cover artworks to protect them from dust and insects. Ensure storage areas are clean and free of pests.
• Proper Orientation: Store paintings upright, ideally in racks or slotted boxes that prevent shifting. Sculptures and fragile objects should be carefully cushioned and boxed. Photographs and prints should be stored flat in archival sleeves or boxes.
• Labeling: Clearly label storage boxes with content details to minimize unnecessary handling.

Quick Reference: Art Care Do's and Don'ts