How to Care for an Original Painting

Oil Painting by Marie Paknejad

Most artists, almost always apply one or two coats of varnish on the dried finished painting. Varnish produces a layer of protection against cracking . It keeps the surface intact and also enhances the picture. But it's still possible for the painting to crack or fade if subjected to harsh environment. Exposure to sunlight, accumulation of dust and dry build up or other factors such as extreme changes in atmosphere can cause damage to the painting.

People should have an understanding that art needs special care and probably should be treated as such. A well preserved original painting not only is appreciated by generations but also can hold high monetary value. It is very important that the artist or the seller of the original painting inform the buyers of the basic care for the artwork they have purchased and provide necessary guidance by answering their questions. 

How to care for oil painting 

There are actions to take to eliminate chances of an original acrylic or oil painting from cracking or fading.  

• Place or hang the artwork where it is not faced to direct sunlight. A prolonged exposure to sunlight may cause fading the colors of the painting. The best type of light for the painting is indirect sunlight, recessed lighting, and halogen lights. 
• Exposing the painting to extreme heat, cold, dryness or humidity will damage the artwork. Refrain from framing oil and acrylic paintings under glass to avoid moist and humid environment; otherwise, mold starts to grow. Instead, let the canvas to breathe. Avoid placing the artwork above a heat source such as fireplaces. Also, do not hang paintings in a moist environment such bathoom or shower room. 
• Never lean the front or back surface of a stretched canvas on a pointed or sharp object. This might rip the canvas, leave a dent or scratch the work.  Ultimately the permanent dent and indentation would disfigure the painting. 
• If you need to handle the painting, do not touch the surface or apply any kind of pressure with your finger.  Cracks in the paint will likely develop due to the oily residue of your finger print.
• Dust your painting regularly using a soft dry cloth or a delicate brush to gently remove surface dirt. You can also use compressed air in a can to blow away the surface dust. Never attempt to clean the surface by using water or solvents or cleaning products of any sort. 
• Before transporting the artwork, lay a flat piece of sturdy cardboard on the front and back of it and then wrap it around with bubble wrap or styrofoam wrap and place it in a heavy duty box.
• When Storing your artwork make sure that it is not  subjected to extreme environmental changes . Or the storage is not too dry, humid, hot or cold. Do not lean artworks against each other.  Do not cover them with plastic wraps for too long to prevent buildup humidity.  Cotton sheets are the best to cover your art with. It keeps the dust away. 
• In case the painting gets damaged, do not fix it yourself. Instead, have the place of purchase or a qualified conservator repair the damage. Otherwise the value of it will drop. 
• If, for any reason, you ever decide to get rid of the painting, always contact the artist. Never destroy or throw away an original work of art.  If you absolutely can't keep it, give it back to the artist.

How to care for paintings on paper

The above directions also applies when taking care of artworks that are created on the paper, such as Watercolor, pastel, pen and ink etc. With the following  exemptions:

• Artworks on paper should be framed under a glass to protect the work from UV sunlight that cause fading
• A non-glare glass makes the art easier to be seen. 
• To avoid moisture damaging the work, use acid free mat and backing . 

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