Painting Care
We are often asked how to take proper care of oil paintings, so here is some advice culled from other experts and our own experience. (And if you see my earlier post about termite damage to a painting, you’ll see we’re still learning!)
There are a few steps you can take to avoid damaging your painting and to keep any harm caused by natural aging to an absolute minimum. Taking good care will make certain that the painting remains a meaningful piece of art for the enjoyment of you and future generations.
Perhaps the first thing to consider is where to place your painting.
Direct sunlight is to be avoided as UV rays will fade the paint and over time may possibly crack it as well. The finish of your painting may also be darkened in certain areas from exposure to direct sunlight.
High humidity and temperatures can also damage paintings. Efforts should be taken to control the climate of a room where a painting is stored or displayed. In a relative humidity of over 70% mould may start to grow, which can damage the painting or weaken it, leaving it susceptible to future damage. This is a worst case scenario, though…in my own home in a very hot and humid part of the world my paintings have not suffered any ill effects.
Keep in mind that fluctuations in both temperature and humidity caused by air conditioners or heating systems being turned on and off by day or by night can be damaging to oil paintings. Over time the paint film will naturally lose its elasticity, and the contracting and expanding caused by temperature and humidity fluctuations can lead to flaking and cracking in extreme situations. The frame too may be damaged by the rise and fall of the room climate (this is more common than damage to the paintings in our experience).
Although cracking can be treated with special solvents, we do not recommend that you apply any liquids at all to your painting as even the proper cleaning solvents can cause irreparable damage if applied incorrectly. It is always worth consulting an expert.
Keep paintings away from areas where oily soot is in the air (near a kitchen) or there is a possibility of any type of accidental leakage occurring (i.e. pipes or air ducts).
Occasionally you will want to clean your painting. A soft cotton cloth is suitable for dusting the frame, and a soft bristled brush should be used to dust off the painting itself. Never wash a painting with a moist cloth as this moisture can eventually leave a white film. Avoid dusting any areas of the painting that are flaking or coming separated from the canvas. If your painting suffers any serious damage you should contact your local specialist for advice and/or service.
We are sure that you will take good care of your long term investment in one of our hand painted pieces, and that it will continue to be source of creative expression long into the future.
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