Protecting Your Art

Some art is very valuable, and deserves proper long-term care. Some art is not as valuable from a money standpoint, but is loved and deserves the same care. And then there is some art that just oughta be tossed over a cliff.

OIL PAINTINGS

The best protection for oil on canvas, or oil on board is quite simple. Get it out of the sun; prolonged heat or direct sunlight can be damaging. Make sure to vacuum any debris or dust off with a brush attachment.

Yellowing: varnish on an oil painting tends to yellow. Old varnish can be removed, along with tobacco smoke, soot, or other contaminates. Once properly cleaned, new varnish can be re-applied.

Cracking: Due to either age, atmospheric fluctuations, or improper priming, cracking or flaking can occur. Impeding this aging process can save the painting. Seek professional help.

GICLEE 

Giclee pigments have greatly improved. Make sure, however, that a UV protection has been applied. These prints need acid-free backing, mats, and protective glass.

LITHOGRAPHS

These prints are a four color printing process. Most inks used are dyes and can fade faster than pigments. Lithographs should be on a heavier acid-free paper. For proper protection, frame them as you would a Giclee.

WATERCOLOR

Original Watercolor paints are mostly pigments, saturating deeper than Lithographs, into a deep tooth--heavy watercolor paper or board. These papers are durable and will not yellow. Watercolors offer more framing options than Lithographs. Consult your professional.

SERIGRAPHS

These “silkscreen” prints vary greatly in quality by the publisher. Some are spectacular and brilliant, others are dull and out of register. They potentially hold greater value than other reproduction methods.

ETCHINGS, DRAWINGS, COLOR PENCIL, ETC.

Store and transport them flat, between foam cores, and treat them with the same regard as other artworks when framing.

GLASS

There are several choices when it comes to glass. Regular glass or plexiglass, non-glare, Ultraviolet reflecting glass or plexiglass, anti-reflective glass or plexiglass with 3 levels of UV protection. Consult your professional.

In conclusion, many artworks accrue value over time, many don’t, and many decrease in value over time. But, aesthetic value is greater than monetary value, and the art’s value is decided by the owner. If the art is not protected with conservation materials, it would be in its best interest to contact a professional framer soon.