News

Caring for an Oil painting.

14/05/2021
Caring for an Oil painting.
1. Never lean the front or back surface of a stretched canvas on a pointed or sharp object, no matter how small. Corners of chairs and tables must be avoided. If you lean the canvas against it, it will leave a dent that will disfigure your work. If you must lean it against something, lean it on the wood of its stretcher bars or the frame, so that nothing presses against the canvas.
2. You might want to dust your painting regularly, so that a thick layer of dust does not build up which will dry out the paint and possibly result in cracking and peeling. Do not spray anything (like Pledge) on the work. Never clean it yourself. Only dust with a light brush. Cloths and feather dusters might catch so it is better not to use those. Do not use chemicals or household cleaning products. Do not use water or damp cloths.
3. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can fade the colours in your oil painting, but moden paints are lightfast tested. Please be aware of this when choosing a location for it. Never expose your painting to extreme heat, extreme cold, or to extreme humidity. Never hang directly over fires, in bathrooms, kitchens or around a swimming pool. Do not use picture lights attached very close to the painting (as some light bulbs will get very hot). Do not keep in a damp room as it encourages mould and mildew.
4. If you must transport the work, lay a flat piece of cardboard, mat board or similar firm material over the front and back surfaces, and then wrap it in bubble wrap or Styrofoam wrap. Keep bubble wrap away from the painting surface as it could leave marks. Always keep a painting upright and never lay it flat. Be careful of the frame corners as they are easily damaged. Carry a painting with two hands from the sides of the frame, never just by the top.