Tips for art care: how to keep your paintings durable

Buying a painting is not only an investment in art, but also in lasting beauty and inspiration. To ensure that you can enjoy your work of art for a long time, the right care is crucial. In this blog post, I will give you practical tips on how to optimally protect your paintings and ensure their longevity.

The right location

The location of a painting has a considerable influence on its durability. Take care not to expose the painting to direct sunlight. UV rays can fade the colors over time and damage the canvas. Places with indirect light or special UV-filtering glass panes are ideal if the painting is protected in a frame.

Extreme fluctuations in temperature and humidity should also be avoided. Rooms such as bathrooms or directly above radiators are therefore unsuitable, as the constant moisture or heat can deform the material or damage the paint layers.

Dust and soiling

Dust collects on the surface of a painting over time and can dull the colors. Clean the painting regularly but carefully. Use a soft, dry cloth or a brush with soft bristles to gently remove dust. Avoid aggressive cleaning agents or water, as these could damage the delicate paint layer.

Protection against physical damage

If you want to transport or rehang a painting, make sure you never touch it directly on the canvas surface. Always carry the painting by the frame to avoid pressure marks on the canvas.

If your painting is unframed, special protective films can be helpful during transportation. During storage, paintings should never be placed on their painted side to prevent damage.

Professional cleaning and restoration

If your painting has become soiled or slightly damaged over time, do not hesitate to consider professional restoration. Experts can gently remove dirt and repair minor damage professionally without affecting the character or quality of the work.

Insurance and documentation

It is worth taking out art insurance for valuable works of art. This protects you against financial losses due to theft, fire or other unforeseen events. Document your painting with high-quality photos and keep proof of purchase or certificates in a safe place.

Conclusion

With the right care, your paintings can retain their beauty and radiance for decades to come. By paying attention to location, cleaning and protection, you will help to ensure that your works of art will not only give pleasure to you, but also to future generations. If you have any questions about the care or restoration of your paintings, I will be happy to help you.