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ART CARE GUIDE

PICTURE CARE

How to care for your artwork so it lasts for generations

Art is a lifelong investment. With a little care, your work can last for decades in perfect condition. Here's everything you need to know.

GENERAL PRINCIPLES FOR ALL WORKS

Regardless of the technique, follow these basic rules:
 

Temperature and humidity

  • Ideal temperature: 18-24°C

  • Ideal humidity: 40-60%

  • Avoid sudden changes in temperature and humidity.

  • Do not hang artwork above radiators or heaters.

  • Avoid rooms with high humidity (bathroom, sauna)
     

Light

  • Never hang the work in direct sunlight.

  • Direct sunlight causes colors to fade

  • Indirect daylight or artificial lighting is ideal

  • For sensitive works (watercolors, prints), consider UV protective glass
     

Cleaning

  • Do not use water or cleaning agents

  • Wipe off dust only with a dry, soft cloth or brush.

  • For glazed paintings, clean only the glass (not the surface of the work)

  • In case of heavy soiling, it is better to consult a restorer.
     

Location

  • Hang the picture straight on the wall using quality hooks

  • Make sure the image has air all around it

  • Do not hang close to the corners of the room where moisture accumulates

  • Leave at least 5-10 cm distance from the floor/ceiling
     

NEVER

  • Do not touch the surface of the image with your fingers (it leaves a greasy residue)

  • Do not use spray paint or cleaning agents

  • Do not lean other objects against the image.

  • Do not smoke in a room with valuable parts.

OIL PAINTING

Oil paintings are very durable, but they require time to dry completely.

 

Drying

  • Oil paints take 6-12 months to dry (even if they appear dry to the touch)

  • Handle the piece with extra care for the first 3 months

  • Do not hang in damp areas during drying.
     

Cleaning

  • For the first year, only lightly dust with a dry cloth.

  • After a year, you can gently wipe with a slightly damp cloth (only if the work is fully dry)

  • Never rub or press
     

Protection

  • Most oil paintings have a protective varnish coating

  • Varnish protects the paint from dust and UV radiation

  • After 20-30 years, the work may need to be restored and repainted.
     

Watch out for:

  • Cracks: Occur during rapid temperature changes

  • Yellowing of the paint: Natural aging process, can be professionally removed

  • Canvas sagging: Caused by moisture - stretching on a new frame will help

ACRYLIC PAINTING

Acrylic paints dry quickly and are more durable than oil.

 

Drying

  • Acrylic dries within hours to days

  • After 2-4 weeks the work is fully cured

  • Protect from dust during drying
     

Cleaning

  • Acrylic is more durable than oil

  • Wipe off dust with a dry, soft cloth.

  • Can be carefully wiped with a slightly damp cloth (without pressure!)

  • Do not use soap or detergents.
     

Protection

  • Acrylic paintings often have a glossy or matte finish.

  • This coating protects against UV radiation and dust

  • Acrylic is more susceptible to scratches than oil
     

Watch out for:

  • Scratches: Acrylic is more sensitive to mechanical damage

  • Moisture: Although acrylic is water-based, it is water-resistant once dry, but prolonged moisture can cause damage to the substrate

WATERCOLOR PAINTING AND AUTHOR PRINTS ON PAPER

Watercolor is the most delicate technique - it requires the most care.

 

Mandatory glazing

  • Watercolors should be glazed (otherwise they will fade and get damaged)

  • UV protective glass is ideal (99% protection against UV radiation)

  • There must be a gap (mount or molding) between the glass and the work.
     

Light - Extra careful!

  • Watercolor is extremely sensitive to light.

  • Never hang in direct sunlight

  • Indirect lighting or partial shade is ideal.

  • Recommended maximum light intensity: 50-150 lux
     

Cleaning

  • Clean only the glass, never touch the paper

  • Clean the glass with regular glass cleaner.

  • If the work is without glass, only have it cleaned by a professional.

  • ​

Temperature and humidity - Important!

  • Moisture causes paper to curl and mold to grow

  • Maximum humidity: 55%

  • Avoid damp areas (bathroom, basement)
     

Watch out for:

  • Fading: The main enemy of watercolors - protect from light

  • Paper curl: Caused by moisture - prevention is glazing

  • Mold: Forms in high humidity - use a dehumidifier

AUTHOR PRINTS ON CANVAS

Canvas prints are more durable than paper, but they still require care.
 

Protection

  • Most canvas prints have a protective laminate or varnish coating

  • This coating protects against UV radiation, moisture and dust

  • Canvas prints do not need to be glazed (but glazing will extend the life)
     

Light

  • Canvas prints are more durable than paper, but still sensitive to light

  • Avoid direct sunlight.

  • Indirect lighting is ideal.
     

Cleaning

  • Dust with a dry soft cloth or brush.

  • You can wipe it lightly with a slightly damp cloth (without pressure!)

  • Do not use chemical cleaners.

  • Do not clean too often - mechanical scrubbing can damage the surface
     

Location

  • Canvas prints are stretched on a frame, so they are sensitive to impacts.

  • Do not hang in damp areas (bathroom)

  • Protect from extreme temperatures
     

Watch out for:

  • Fading: Less common than with paper, but still possible

  • Surface damage: Scratches or dents on the canvas

  • Sagging: Caused by moisture - the canvas may come loose from the frame

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR ALL ARTWORKS

When moving

  1. Always carry the image with both hands

  2. Do not touch the surface of the work - hold only the frame

  3. When transporting, wrap in bubble wrap and sturdy cardboard.

  4. Carry larger items with two people.
     

When hanging

  1. Use quality hooks appropriate for the weight of the painting

  2. Ensure straight suspension using a spirit level

  3. Verify the strength of the wall - drywall may require special anchors

  4. For heavier paintings, use two hooks for better stability.
     

During storage

  1. Store vertically, not horizontally (except for prints on paper)

  2. Protect the corners of the work with soft material

  3. Wrap in non-woven fabric or special paper

  4. Store in a dry, cool area with a constant temperature

  5. Check the condition at least once a year
     

For valuable artwork, consider:

  • Home insurance with art allowance

  • Professional value estimate from an art appraiser

  • Photo documentation of all works (details + overall view)

  • Keep your certificates of authenticity in a safe place.

WHEN SOMETHING GOES WRONG

Minor damage

  • Small scratches: Do not attempt to repair yourself

  • Dust in the texture: Gently dust with a soft brush

  • Loose frame: Tighten the screws on the back
     

Serious damage
If:

  • Cracks in the paint

  • Cutting the canvas

  • Significant color changes

  • Mold formation

  • Frame deflection
     

Contact a professional restorer!
Never:

  • Do not repair the work yourself with glue or paint.

  • Do not use home remedies

  • Don't try to cover up the cracks.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 

If you are unsure about how to care for your work or have any questions, please feel free to contact me:

Email: terezaart.cz@gmail.com


I would be happy to advise you on:

  • By choosing a suitable hanging location

  • By recommending framing and glazing

  • By solving specific problems

 

Your work deserves the best care. With a little attention, it will last a lifetime and you can pass it on to future generations.

DO YOU NEED ADVICE?

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