This is a basic guide, and you should consult a professional if in doubt or when there is an appearance of damage.

 

Handling paintings

 

• Use great care each time you handle a painting

• Have minimum contact and keep dirt and fingerprints off the surface (use cotton gloves)

• Remove accessories and jewellery to avoid scratches

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Hanging paintings

 

• Centre of the painting should be at eye level (the rule of thumb is around 160 cm)

• Large and heavy paintings require proper wall anchors with mounting brackets under the paintings

• Use wall hooks driven into wall studs (obtain permission from the landlord, if necessary)

• Alternatively, avoid marking walls by using 3M® hooks with an appropriate loadbearing

• When using hanging wire, ensure it is looped through the D-ring and there is no loose wire

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Displaying paintings

 

• Hang the painting on a wall away from the risk of accidental contact

• Exposure to dirt, heat, hot air and humidity deteriorates paintings by causing paint loss

• A rapid change in temperature (+/- 5%) can affect adhesion and damage paintings

• Direct sunlight or extreme exposure to light causes fading and affects colour balance

• Dust with clean artists' brush in one direction

• DO NOT use moist cloths, stiff bristle brushes, or feather dusters

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Storing paintings

 

       Choosing a room:

• Avoid a room with air vents or open windows

• Avoid attics and basements unless they have climate control

• Be careful about the presence of dust, mould, and musty smells

• Avoid a room with an exterior wall because it’ll be susceptible to rapid changes in temperatures

• Ideal humidity is 40-50%. Ideal temperature is 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit (21-24 degrees Celsius)

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Documenting a collection:

 

• Archive your collection before packing it up

• Use a photo inventory with a description of the artwork and its location

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Preparing paintings for storage:

 

• Clean paintings with an artist's brush

• If possible, do not wrap the artwork, as it usually traps humidity

• If wrapped, use acid-free materials and ensure the paintings can breathe

• An acid-free mounting board can be used to separate pieces from touching when stacked

• Use a simple shelf or rise to elevate the artwork off the floor

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