ART COLLECTING Caring For Your Art T Framing:

Although framing can seem costly, it is essential to keeping your paintings safe. In addition to the aesthetic quality it adds to the work, framing protects your art from dust, dirt, and handling, making it well worth the investment. How your art should be framed will depend on the material it is created on. Works on canvas should be stretched properly and framed without glass. Works on paper however, should be framed under glass to protect the paper. The backing of the piece should always be archival and acid-free. Valuable works on paper should preferably be framed with polycarbonate – a perspex sheet with UV filters- instead of glass. This will prevent fading. Ask your gallery framer to use acid- free tapes that will not stain your artwork.

EXCLUSIVE COLLECTIONS GALLERIES

he inspiring nature of Art is something that will endure and continue to move the viewer for many generations. Proper care of your fine art collection is paramount to ensuring that your creative legacy withstands the ravages of time.

Here are some helpful tips for keeping your art in pristine condition. Storing Your Art:

Art that is not hanging should be stored in appropriate conditions. The most important factor to consider when storing your art is airflow and climate. The climate in which the paintings are stored should not be dramatically different from those in which the paintings will eventually be hung. The transition between a cold, damp basement or a hot attic to a climatized room can be detrimental to the art. Stored paintings should be raised off of the floor to allow air-flow and prevent water damage. Additionally, your art should be covered with cotton sheets for extra protection against soil and dust. Covers containing polythene may cause mold and should not be used. To avoid pressure between works of art, insert acid-free foam dividers between the pieces. Choose interior walls rather than exterior walls as a storage space. Interior walls are drier and decrease the risk of damage to the art.

Cleaning: Paintings must not be cleaned with water or any chemical-based cleaning solution. Instead, your art should be lightly brushed with a feather duster to remove dust. It is advisable that your artwork be removed from the wall twice a year to be examined for any damage. During the removal process, paintings on canvas can be turned upside down and given a gentle shake to remove dust.

treatment

Consider getting your art professional if prominent cracks appear

in the paint layer, paint lifts from the canvas or yellow spots appear on the surface of the art. This is a sign of fungi commonly known as “foxing.” Foxing needs to be treated with a uv light or it will spread and potentially ruin the piece.

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If you are storing paintings for a long period of time, it is advisable that you periodically examine them to make sure they are being protected from dust and moisture. Change the protecting covers when necessary to ensure the art’s quality is being maintained as pristinely as possible.