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Caring for your original on canvas artwork

Blogs: #10 of 11

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Clients and friends always ask me for pointers on how to care and clean their artwork. So I spent some time writing this information down and putting it into an instruction sheet on the best way to care for, frame, clean and hang your artwork:


1. Framing: Paintings are often sold without a frame so that the client can choose the best frame for his or her taste. So keep in mind that when you frame a canvas painting, the canvas itself must never directly touch glass. Canvas likes to breath, so it is important not to cover the surface with glass. Contact with your local professional framer will have the best recommendations on how to properly frame your painting in order to protect it from dust and dirt.


2. Hanging: Any type of mount for your wall is acceptable for your painting as long as it does not puncture the painting’s surface (surface punctures, rips and tears cannot be fixed) and the wall mount must be sturdy enough to hold the weight of the piece - and the wall must be strong enough to bear the weight of the piece. Be very careful if you choose to penetrate the wood canvas stretchers. The nail or screw that you choose to affix the mounting must be SMALLER than the width of the canvas stretcher. Anything longer will puncture the canvas.

IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOU CONTACT A REPUTABLE PROFESSIONAL ART FRAMER TO INSTALL THE MOUNT ON YOUR ARTWORK.


3. WHERE NOT TO HANG YOUR PAINTING: It is not recommended by this artist that your painting hang in an area that is subject to the following conditions: Heavy steam or moisture rich areas such as shower rooms, bathrooms where is shower is heavily used, steam rooms or sauna. Cotton canvas and pine stretchers are subject to absorbing moisture and heavy amounts of hot steam can destroy the piece. Sunlit Areas: If you choose to hang in a sunlit room, please be advised that it is recommended that paintings not hang directly in sunlight. Most paintings can handle a few hours (no more than 2-3) of bright sunlight per day, as long as the room the artwork is in is not subject to high amounts of heat. Likewise, extreme cold is not recommended for the artwork.


SMOKING AROUND YOUR PAINTING IS NOT ADVISED, EVER!
Cotton canvas will absorb smoke, become discolored and your investment will become worthless.


4. Cleaning: When dusting and cleaning your painting, it is best to dust with a SABLE BRUSH using compressed air to loosen the dust from the surface. Most paintings have been sealed with a clear coat of waterbased varnish to protect the artwork, but cleaning the surface should always be done with great care.
DO NOT USE feather dusters, pole mounted dusters or vacuum cleaner attachements as these can scratch or mar the surface. Do not hang your artwork is in an area where it can become greasy. Professional cleaning of paintings is always recommended.

I certainly hope that these few pointers help, and it is always advised to contact a good professional.