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Five Essential Tips to Preserve Original Paintings
Kathryn Dawson
SouthAfricanArtists
Original paintings are perhaps one of the most cherished possessions in a home. High class original oil paintings are not easy to find and when you do find them, it is essential to take special care of them so that they stay intact longer. In a market where even good quality reprints are priced so high, original paintings come for a premium price. And to properly preserve a work of art, you need to take certain essential steps:
1. Maintain temperature & humidity
It is imperative to maintain the temperature in the room which is neither too high nor too humid. The wooden stretcher and the canvas both have the ability to absorb moisture. As a result, high temperatures make them contract and humidity makes them swell. Both these conditions are not appropriate for the painting.
Too much stretching and contraction of the canvas damages the painting. Hence, try to ensure that paintings are hung in temperature-regulated rooms. During summer months, keep the temperature to 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit and the humidity at 45%-55% . And in winters, maintain it at 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit and the humidity level at 40%-45%.
2. Protect oil paintings from harsh lights and darkness
Direct exposure of painting to the sunlight is harmful. It can cause fading of certain pigments or darkening of the original artwork. Hence don't place your oil painting in a room which gets direct sunlight.
As far as commercial lights are concerned, don't install them straight on the head of the painting. Harsh, strong lights can harm the painting severely. It is best to use diffused lights preferably placed at least ten feet away from the painting. Just as excess light is not good for an original painting, keeping the painting in complete darkness is not recommended either. It would make the painting look darker in the long run.
3. Hang securely
Whenever you are carrying a painting, hold it strongly from both sides with both hands and don't ever carry it from the top of the frame or by the hanging wire. Hanging a priceless painting on a regular nail is not advisable. Instead hang it from strong picture hooks which are placed securely in the wall. Take good care of your valued possession and hang and display it carefully so as to avoid any accidents.
4. Keep the painting clean
It is imperative to regularly dust the painting with very soft brushes. If you feel confident you can also carefully clean the original painting with a damp cotton wool to clean dirt from the surface. You can also make use of anti-static cloth or soft micro fiber cloth s to clean the painting. This type of cloth is perfect for removing loose dust particles from the painting without leaving scratches on it.
Never make the fatal mistake of using any liquid or any cleaner available in the market. These products can damage the painting beyond repair. Always keep the back of the painting clean by brushing or vacuuming.
Whenever you plan to get your walls painted or plastered, remove the painting first, cover it properly so that no drops of paint or plaster fall on it and put it back on the wall only after the work is completed.
5. No smoke please!
Don't burn any candles near the painting and keep the painting a good distance away from the fireplace. Smoke from the fire or even a cigarette can damage the painting. Remember not to smoke in the room where an original painting is hung and don't let others smoke too.
Original oil paintings are priceless and a prized possession. Whether you buy original oil paintings from galleries or online art gallery taking proper care of the painting is imperative.
Article submitted Tuesday, June 24, 2008
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