Are You Destroying Your Fine Art Collection?
Are You Destroying Your Fine Art Collection?
You have a beautiful art collection! If it hasn’t already, it will likely become a valuable asset and source of wealth in due time. But! Are you destroying your fine art collection inadvertently?
Handmade works of art on are inherently fragile but can easily and effectively be protected. Use these 10 fine art care tips to ensure your beautiful fine art collection stands the test of time and continues to grow in value day after day:
1. Do You Avoiding Direct Sunlight?
Keep your artworks out of direct sunlight. Your artwork might have a protective layer of varnish, but it is still possible for it to crack or fade if subjected to bright sunlight for long periods of time.
2. Are You Mindful of its Fragility?
Do not lean anything against the surface of the artwork or the frame. Objects near a painting may not seem sharp enough to pierce the glass or backing, but they can in fact cause damage. Prevent accidents and store your artworks away from anything that might damage the surface.
3. Are You Avoiding the Accumulation of Dust & Grime?
Over time, art can accumulate a thin layer of dust, pollutants or airborne grime. Dust your art occasionally with a clean, soft rag. Glass can be cleaned with a slightly damp cloth. Don’t use cleaning products ever! If there is a place to display your art away from pollutants, or where it will less exposed, try to position it there.
4. Do You Protect Your Fine Art During Transportation?
Wrap your artwork well if you plan to transport it. Be sure to put a heavy piece of cardboard over the front and back to protect it. Then bubble wrap and place in a suitable heavy cardboard box. Rough handling can damage both the painting and the frame so pack it securely.
5. Are You Making Sure to Prevent Extreme Changes in the Atmosphere?
Try to avoid subjecting your artworks to extreme changes in atmosphere. Avoid excessive dryness, humidity, heat or cold. All of these conditions can affect the state of your artwork in a negative way (i.e. puckering, mold etc.).
6. Do You Always Use Professionals?
If your artwork does get damaged, do not attempt to fix it yourself. Please return it to the artist or a professional fine art restoration for review. Amateur repairs can reduce the value of your artwork drastically.
7. Are You Sticking to Archival Materials?
Good quality mounting and framing is one of the most effective methods of preserving and caring for works of art on paper. If you reframe your artwork, be sure to have it mounted on pH neutral backing without self-adhesive tapes. Consider UV glass or museum quality glass for protection against light. A professional framer is recommended to ensure this is adhered to.
8. Do You Know The Storage Do’s & Don’ts?
Do not cover artworks with plastic for long periods of time. If there is humidity in the air, they may start to grow mold. Cotton sheets are best for keeping dust away. Try not to lean artworks on one another when storing them. Separate them with pieces of cardboard to avoid damage. Check the condition of your artworks periodically. Many people put up artwork and forget about it, until they notice that it has been damaged. If artwork is fading or cracking, a brief peek at it can prompt you to move it to a better place and avoid damaging it further.