Caring for your Artwork
Looking after your art collection doesn't require extensive care. With regular maintenance and careful handling, you can keep your artworks looking their best and ensure their longevity.
Positioning
The placement of an artwork is important to consider as harsh environments can affect the condition and appearance of the piece over time.
Sunlight
Avoid placing artworks on paper in direct sunlight as colour bleaching will likely occur. Intense sunlight can also accelerate paper aging and eventually cause surface degradation. If you’ll be placing an artwork on paper in a sunlit spot, consider framing it using UV-protective glazing. Email advisors@riseart.com for more information on glazing options or if you’d like a quote.
Even harder-wearing paints, such as oil and acrylic, can fade with excessive exposure to sunlight. Where possible try to hang your artwork on a shaded wall or in a location where it won’t be in the sun for long periods of time.
Humidity
High humidity, typically present in bathrooms and kitchens, can cause artworks on paper to warp (even those that are framed). If your artwork is situated in a humid place, make sure the room is well ventilated. Otherwise, we’d suggest steering clear of humid locations altogether.
All artworks should be condition checked periodically, particularly the reverse, where the first signs of damp will most likely show.
Cleaning
Regular maintenance is the most effective way to keep your artworks looking spotless. Giving them a quick dust once a month ensures dirt doesn’t build up on their surfaces. For more targeted cleaning treatments, follow our tips below.
Framed Artworks
Use glass or plastic cleaner (depending on your frame’s glazing) with a microfibre cloth to gently wipe the surface. Avoid spraying any liquid directly onto the glazing - instead, dispense a small amount onto the cloth before polishing the glass or acrylic. We would not recommend cleaning with water as this can leave visible watermarks when dry.
Remove dust from the frame’s moulding using a damp cloth. Should you wish, you can also apply clear furniture polish to wooden moulding to keep its finish in top condition.
Exposed Artworks
Artworks with an exposed surface, such as canvases or sculpture, are best kept clean with regular light dusting. Use a small soft-bristled brush (make-up brushes work well) to reach any crevices.
We’d advise against using chemical cleaning products which could do more harm than good. If there’s a visible mark on your artwork, it’s often worth getting this removed by a professional art restorer.
Handling
When moving an artwork between locations, take care to package it securely with plenty of protective padding. Place a sheet of cardboard either side of a flat artwork, wrap in bubble wrap, and transport in a strong box. Don’t place items on top of the piece.
If possible, avoid leaving prints or unstretched canvases rolled for long periods of time. This can damage the artwork and affect its ability to lie flat.