Care of Your New Artwork
Storage, Transportation, Handling, and Hanging Tips
I’ve added some easy tips for hanging new artworks below. They’re probably handy also if your moving as there are some useful packaging tips.
Hope these few tips help with your new art piece, and a well-loved piece.
- Always store and transport framed works with art on paper UP-RIGHT (the direction they will hang) to prevent the paper from becoming dislodged. Works on paper are usually hung on acid free hinges behind the mat board, therefore incorrect standing or storage will put unnecessary strain on these tapes/hinges, and the artwork may slip down or sideways.
- Avoid carrying a glassed artwork by the outer frame as it will put pressure on the ‘v’-nails on the corners. I have seen the this wood stay bowed after the weight of the glass pulling it. Best to include the glass in your grip or hold by two sides.
- Never carry a framed or stretched canvas painting by the wire or cord across the back. The constant bouncing of the painting, and it’s weight, during your walk will weaken or break the screws or staples holding the wire.
- Always store and transport paintings with two painted surfaces wrapped and facing each other, and then the backs facing other back to prevent the ‘D’-rings and wire damaging another painted surface. Fronts to Fronts and Backs to Backs.
- The bubbles on the bubble-wrap should face out and the flat side should be against the painted side.
- Unwrap a painting totally and gently. Best not to open one end and drag the painting out like an envelope. This may damage any textured paint on the artwork.
- Never spray air deodorizers, insect sprays, or cleaning solutions, near unprotected paintings or drawings, and this includes framed oil paintings. The sprays will over time discolour and damage the artwork.
- Prints, photographs and paintings, regardless of the medium, should never be hung in direct sunlight as fading will occur after a period of time.
- The prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke, kitchen steam and grease, and the smoke and soot from an open fire, will eventually discolour a painting. So select a suitable hanging space.
- For best enjoyment of your new artwork have it displayed with good lighting, natural/daylight bulbs/tubes are best.
Cheers,
Judi
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