How To Protect And Preserve Your Art From The Sun
The great Australian Cancer Council campaign once stated: There is nothing healthy about a tan.
The same can be said for your art. As almost any semi-serious art owner would know, the sun can have very damaging effects on your art. Whether it’s the delicacy of an oil painting or the sensitivity of a photograph, keeping your artwork out of direct or even indirect light is a big step towards preserving it.
There are multiple stages at which care needs to be taken with your art. They include:
HANDLING
Always take enormous care when handling any form of artwork. Even if it does look robust and strong, respect must be shown. This means never touching the surface of the art with bare fingers, as the oils, acid and salts on your skin could transfer and damage the piece. We also recommend wearing cotton gloves – or, ideally, not touching it at all.
STORAGE
If your artwork isn’t being displayed on your walls, it should be kept in clean, dry, dark and well-ventilated area that is climate controlled. Humidity and extreme temperatures can have a disastrous impact on your art. we advise against storing your art in a garage, attic or basement, whilst a tempting place to put your art these spaces are often prone to far worse conditions than the living areas of your home.
FRAMING
Any art drawn or created using pencil, charcoal, ink or pastels should be framed under the protection of glass. Plexiglass is only ideal for pencil or ink, as electrostatic charges can build up and damage pastel and charcoal. The best approach is to request a glass with a glare-free glass with a UV protective film. Whilst it can drive the cost up, you will be investing in the long-term preservation of your pictures.
The best thing you can do is find a framer that you trust, as their expertise can go a long way in the life of your prized possession. Some key things to look for are:
• Frame is larger than your artwork
• A mat board between artwork and frame
• A range of options – acid-free framer spacers, glare-free, non-wooden alternatives, etc
HANGING
Now to the best part, in our opinion.
Selecting the best place to display your art is invaluable. The correct placement of artwork can considerably extend its lifespan, however there are quite a few things to consider.
Everything from the insulation in your walls to the type of windows you have can contribute to the conditions that impact the artwork on your walls.
Humidity, changing temperatures, sunlight, bright lights and even cleaning products can slowly affect your artwork over time. For example, the decision to hang an artwork on the interior of an exterior wall can mean that the wall itself is changing temperature. This can see temperature behind and around the artwork fluctuating through the seasons. Potentially, the reverse of your painting could grow mold or dry out.
Of course, there are ways to bypass the likeliness of things like the above occurring with the application of expert opinion and correct materials. The best place to start is to contact Art Hanging Systems to discuss a solution to your art handling, storage and hanging needs.
