Finding a piece of wall art that resonates with you is truly exciting! However, your journey doesn’t end with the purchase. To safeguard your investment and ensure your art remains in pristine condition, it is crucial to adopt proper care practices. Here are some steps to ensure the longevity of your wall art from acquisition and throughout its lifespan.
How To Care For Your Wall Art
1. Handle With Care
Take a white-glove approach to handling your wall art, especially with oil paintings. Avoid touching them directly as you may risk damaging them with the natural oils on your fingertips. Wear cotton gloves, if you must!
2. Avoid Direct Sunlight
Protect your artwork by avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and indoor lighting. The heat they emit may gradually harm your piece over time. Hang or mount your wall art away from direct sunlight, and exercise caution when placing it near indoor lights.
3. Not too hot, not too cold
Avoid any sudden changes in temperature and atmosphere as they can lead to cracks in the painting or deterioration of the canvas. For optimal preservation, It is advisable to maintain artwork within the temperature range of 21 - 24 degrees Celsius.
4. Provide Breathing Space
For oil paintings, framing is not recommended due to potential damage from glass contact, dust, and condensation. However, if framing is still desired, Pretty Major Home offers a wooden-framed option to protect the edges of the artwork.
5. Apply A Protective Vanish
To prevent colour from fading over time, consider investing in a varnish. The protective layer guards against dust and other potential damages. Before purchasing, remember to seek professional advice to ensure you make the right choice for your artwork. Pretty Major artwork does not require protective varnish as it is prepared and ready to be displayed.
How To Clean Your Wall Art?
1. Clean Your Art Regularly
Make it a habit to clean your art regularly to prevent dust from building up over time. Use a dry cloth or soft duster to dust gently. If possible, remove the painting from the wall to clean and vacuum the area behind it.
2. Check For Dampness
Artwork on paper is particularly prone to dampness, while canvas may exhibit signs on the back, such as discolouration and distinctive brown marks. Upon observing such indications, it is advisable to seek the services of a professional for cleaning and restoration.
3. Never Use Chemicals
Using chemical products poses a risk of permanently damaging your artwork as their abrasiveness can be detrimental. Some chemicals even consist of colour-changing properties that may wear away at materials. To prevent such risks, we strongly recommend adhering to the use of a dry cloth or soft duster.
How To Store Your Wall Art
1. Packing For Storage
When storing your artwork away for extended periods, opt for the reliable protection of bubble wrapping. For added security, place your bubble-wrapped pieces in snug-fitting boxes. If boxes are unavailable, use styrofoam to secure the sides to prevent any form of movement.
2. Secure Coverings With Tape
Maintain the pristine condition of your artwork by using masking tape to tightly secure coverings. Be careful to avoid the tape from coming into contact with the canvas.
3. Avoid Stacking Your Artworks
While bundling multiple canvases together might appear efficient and a way to use less packaging, it increases the risk of scratches and damages. To ensure the safety of your artwork, keep each piece separate from the other and refrain from placing them next to or on top of one another.
4. Cover Your Artworks
Use a clean cloth to cover your pieces to minimise the build-up of dust and dirt on your artwork over time. If you are thinking of storing your art for an extended period, do take them out every once in a while for ventilation purposes.
Taking care of your wall art involves a consistent commitment to comprehensive care, from handling and protecting against environmental factors to regular cleaning and thoughtful storage practices. By following these steps diligently, you ensure your artwork’s longevity and continued beauty. Ready to start looking for hand-painted textured wall art and oil paintings? Check out Pretty Major’s art collection for a plethora of unique and captivating pieces that will elevate your living spaces to new heights! Click here to explore the collection.
