The Art of Art Care

Art enriches our lives, sparks conversation, and transforms our spaces. Whether you're a seasoned collector or have just purchased your first piece, proper care ensures your treasured works remain vibrant and structurally sound for years to come. This guide will walk you through essential art care practices for various mediums, from delicate watercolors to robust bronze sculptures.

Before diving into medium-specific advice, let's cover some universal art care principles:

• LOCATION MATTERS: Avoid hanging or placing artwork in direct sunlight, near heating/cooling vents, or in high-humidity areas like restrooms or laundry rooms.

• HANDLE with CLEAN HANDS or use ARCHIVAL GLOVES: Natural oils from your skin can damage artwork over time.

• DUST REGULARLY: Use a soft bristled, clean brush or microfiber cloth for routine dusting.

• TEMPERATURE and HUMIDTY: Maintain consistent environmental conditions (65-75°F, 45-55% humidity) when possible.

• DOCUMENT YOUR COLLECTION: Keep records of purchase information, artist details, and maintenance history.

Now, let's explore specific art care techniques for different mediums.

Watercolors are particularly vulnerable to environmental factors due to their delicate nature.

WATERCOLOR ART CARE TIPS:

• DISPLAY with PROTECTION: Always frame watercolors behind glass with acid-free matting.

• LIGHT EXPOSURE: Watercolors are highly light-sensitive; display in areas with minimal UV exposure or use UV-filtering glass.

• ROTATION: Consider rotating watercolors that are in brighter areas every few months.

• STORAGE: Store unframed watercolors flat between acid-free tissue paper in a portfolio case.

• CLEANING: Never attempt to clean the painting surface yourself—speak to your art advisor or trusted gallery, or consult a professional conservator.

Oil paintings are more robust than watercolors but require their own specific care.

OIL ART CARE TIPS:

• CLEANING: Dust oil paintings gently with a soft, natural bristle brush or clean microfiber cloth.

• AVOID GLASS: Unlike watercolors, oil paintings typically shouldn't be placed behind glass as they need to "breathe."

• VARNISH RENEWAL: Every 20-30 years, consider having the varnish professionally removed and renewed.

• SURFACE INSPECTION: Periodically check for cracking, flaking, or discoloration—early intervention by a professional can prevent major damage.

• TRANSPORT: When moving oil paintings, carry them by the sides of the frame, never by the top or stretcher bars.

Acrylic paintings combine aspects of both oil and watercolor care.

ACRYLIC ART CARE TIPS:

• DUST PROTECTION: Like oils, dust with a soft brush or microfiber cloth.

• CLEANING: For stubborn dust, very lightly dampen (not wet) a soft cloth with distilled water.

• TEMPERATURE STABILITY: Acrylics are particularly sensitive to extreme temperatures which can cause the paint to become brittle or overly soft.

• FRAMING OPTIONS: Acrylics can be framed with or without glass, depending on your preference.

• AVOID SOLVENT CLEANERS: Never use alcohol-based cleaners on acrylic surfaces.

Bronze sculptures require different care depending on whether they're displayed indoors or outdoors.

 INDOOR BRONZE ART CARE TIPS:  

• DUSTING: Use a soft cloth or brush to regularly remove dust from all surfaces and crevices.

• HANDLING: Wear clean cotton gloves when handling to prevent fingerprints, which can cause corrosion over time.

• GENTLE CLEANING: Occasionally wipe with a soft cloth dampened with distilled water.

• WAXING: Apply a thin coat of microcrystalline wax once or twice a year to maintain the patina.

• AVOID HARSH CHEMICALS: Never use commercial metal cleaners or polishes.

 OUTDOOR ART CARE TIPS BRONZE: 

• SEASONAL INSPECTION: Check for bird droppings, debris, or signs of corrosion quarterly.

• WASHING: Gently rinse with a garden hose (not a pressure washer) several times a year.

• PROTECTIVE WAX: Apply an outdoor-grade protective wax twice yearly, more frequently in harsh climates.

• BASE INSPECTION: Check that the base remains stable and waterproof.

• WINTER PROTECTION: In severe climates, consider a breathable cover during winter months.

Besides watercolors, pastels, graphite, photographs, lithographs, limited edition reproductions, and other more delicate mediums, are typically displayed behind glass for protection but still require maintenance to preserve their integrity. 

ART CARE FOR GLASS-PROTECTED PASTELS: 

• GLASS as a BARRIER: A glass enclosure is vital for pastels as their pigments sit loosely on the surface and are easily smudged or disturbed. Specialized spacers or deep mats are essential to ensure adequate space between the pastel surface and the glass.

• NEVER REMOVE from ITS FRAME: Unlike some art forms, pastels should never be removed from their protective enclosure except by a professional.

• SAFE CLEANING: Clean only the exterior glass surface with an ammonia-free glass cleaner applied to the cloth, never directly on the glass. Avoid edge seals where liquid might seep inside.

• RELOCATION PRECAUTIONS: Always carry framed pastels vertically to prevent pigment from falling and creating smudges inside the frame.

ART CARE FOR GLASS-PROTECTED PHOTOGRAPHS and OTHER MEDIUMS: 

• GLASS SELECTION: Use UV-filtering glass or acrylic for valuable or color pieces to prevent fading. Consider museum-grade acrylic as a lighter, shatter-resistant alternative to glass for oversized works.

• FRAME INSPECTION: Periodically check that the piece remains properly mounted within the framing package. Check that the seal between the frame and glass remains intact to prevent humidity from reaching the artwork.

• SAFE CLEANING: Clean only the exterior glass surface with an ammonia-free glass cleaner applied to the cloth, never directly on the glass. Avoid edge seals where liquid might seep inside.

• CONDENSATION PREVENTION: Monitor for any signs of moisture or condensation forming inside the glass, which requires immediate professional attention.

Weavings and textiles present unique conservation challenges due to their organic materials.

 WEAVING AND TEXTILE ART CARE TIPS:  

• ROTATION: Flip from front to back twice a year. Consider rotating displayed weavings to reduce stress. 

• LIGHT PROTECTION: Textiles are extremely sensitive to light damage; avoid direct sun exposure and select low lighting.

• PEST PREVENTION: Periodically inspect for moths or other pests, especially in wool pieces.

• CLEANING: Use a screened vacuum attachment on low suction. Avoid a brush attachment. Spills should be blotted immediately. Wine, coffee, and other liquids can be absorbed by pouring salt on the spill. Water can be used sparingly and blotted immediately. For valuable textiles, schedule a professional cleaning every few years.

• MOUNTING: Ensure proper mounting that distributes weight evenly to prevent stretching.

Frames not only enhance artwork but also provide protection, making their care equally important.

GILDED FRAME CARE:

• GENTLE DUSTING: Use a very soft brush or clean makeup brush for regular dusting.

• AVOID MOISTURE: Never use damp cloths on gilded surfaces.

• CLEANING: For deeper cleaning, use a cotton swab lightly dampened with distilled water and immediately dry with a soft cloth.

• CHIP REPAIR: Small chips should be addressed by a professional to prevent further deterioration.

• HANDLE MINIMALLY : The oils from hands can damage gilding; wear cotton gloves when handling.

STANDARD FRAME CARE 

• REGULAR DUSTING: Use a microfiber cloth or soft brush.

• WOOD FRAMES: Apply a small amount of furniture wax once a year.

• METAL FRAMES: Wipe with a slightly dampened cloth and dry immediately.

• CORNER INSPECTION: Periodically check corners for separation and have them repaired promptly.

• HARDWARE CHECK: Ensure hanging hardware remains secure.

While many aspects of art care can be handled personally, some situations require professional intervention:

• Structural damage (tears, cracks, flaking)

• Staining or discoloration

• Mold or mildew

• Frame repair involving joints or ornate elements

• Conservation cleaning of valuable pieces

• Varnish removal and renewal

• Restoration of any kind

To simplify maintenance, create a simple art care schedule:

WEEKLY: Light dusting of frames and sculptures

MONTHLY: More thorough inspection of your collection; Check for any environmental changes

SEASONAL: Outdoor bronze care; Weaving rotation; Deeper cleaning as needed

YEARLY: Professional assessment of valuable pieces; Waxing of bronze pieces; Frame maintenance

Caring for your art collection doesn't need to be overwhelming. By establishing a routine and knowing when to seek professional help, you can preserve the beauty and integrity of your pieces for generations. Remember that preventive care is always preferable to restoration—a small investment of time now will save both money and heartache in the future.

Whether you're preserving family heirlooms or building a new collection, these guidelines will help ensure your art continues to bring joy and inspiration for years to come.