You may be a seasoned collector, or a first time buyer, but do you really know how to take care of your artwork? How can you make it last for decades......or longer? Do you want it to? Before we go down the rabbit hole of proper caring for an oil painting, there are a few things, you as a buyer should keep in mind when selecting your artist, and artwork. All artwork is not created equally. There are low quality pigments, canvas, paper and varnish that can effect the longevity of the Art. Each medium has its own lifespan, some last longer, and each one changes in different ways over time. Watercolors being the first to show signs of age, and oil lasting the longest. Regardless even the best materials used in art is subject to deterioration over time, but there are ways to protect it to get the most life possible from your artwork.
UV RAYS. You don't have to keep it locked up like Fort Knox in a dark room, and only bring it out on holidays. Art is meant to be seen! Keeping it out of direct sunlight though, really is a must. Scientifically speaking, over exposure to ultraviolet light can cause chemical changes in your painting, leading to permanent color fading and color changes. As a rule of thumb, its best not to store your painting in direct sunlight. Even with a varnish, direct sunlight can cause damage.
ITS HOT, NOW ITS COLD! Paintings need to be stored at a good temperature. No we are not baking a turkey. We do not need to preheat the home before we bring in our painting, but try to keep the room temperature between 60-70 Degrees Fahrenheit. Steep fluctuations in temperature and humidity can cause cracking, flaking.......and mold. Ewww. So lets keep the humidity below 55. Not just for your painting but your overall health too!
IS IT DUSTY IN HERE?! Now that its not musty, lets talk about dusty. Have you ever cleaned your cabinets? No I mean the top. That thick layer of dust and oils that can accumulate and is stubborn to remove? We do not want that on our paintings. Everything is exposed to dust in your home, it will not skip over your painting. So what can you do about that? First, you want to make sure your Artist applies a layer of varnish. Oil paintings that are varnished properly are easier to clean, and if for some reason they are scratched or damaged, it provides a great layer between your painting and the outside world.
WAIT.... WHAT ABOUT VARNISH?? Oil Paints take a long, long time to dry. If the paint is very thick it can take upwards to a year. Unfortunately, there are only a handful of varnishes that can be applied during that time. A varnish serves a very important function for your oil painting. It protects it! If a varnish is applied too early it can create mold between the layers, and must be avoided. Each artist is different on how they approach varnishing a painting. Some will apply a thin layer that will protect it shortly after completion and hand it over to the customer as soon as it is touch dry. Some prefer to wait until they can apply a thick varnish.
SO HOW AGAIN DO I CLEAN IT? During any stage of the drying process you want to be careful with the painting. I do not suggest cleaning it for the first 6 months to 1 year. When cleaning an unvarnished painting use a dry soft brush and sweep in one direction. If it has been varnished well, warm soapy water can be used. Do not scrub your painting. If it has been exposed to something other than household dust, damaged by chemicals, stained or an unusually thick layer of dust I highly recommend a professional cleaning. I happen to have an oil painting that was painted in the early 1800's. It was most definitely not properly cared for but i still enjoy it today. I always wonder what it looked like fresh off the easel. If it were preserved properly the colors could still be fresh today.
If you have any specific questions about your artwork even if they are not paintings please feel free to reach out through my contact page and I will be more than happy to assist!