How to Care for an Original Painting

How to Care for an Original Painting 

So you have a painting on your wall, or you are thinking about buying one. A few simple habits will keep it looking its best for generations.

Everything here applies to my own work, acrylic paintings on stretched canvas and canvas board, and works on heavyweight watercolour and mixed-media paper, but the principles hold good for most original paintings, whatever their source.

 

About Varnish

All of my paintings are varnished, and this is worth knowing because it genuinely changes how easy a painting is to live with. Varnish protects the paint surface, adds UV resistance to slow any fading, and makes cleaning easier. Not all artists varnish their work, so it is always worth asking when you buy from someone new.

 

Choosing the Right Location

This is the single most useful decision you can make for your artwork. Most rooms in a home or workspace are perfectly fine; living rooms, hallways, bedrooms, dining rooms and offices are all ideal.

Avoid:

• Bathrooms, or anywhere with persistent steam or damp 
• Directly above a radiator or fireplace
• Conservatories, or walls that receive intense, unfiltered direct sunlight for long periods each day

North-facing walls, or walls that receive indirect light, are the kindest spots for long-term display. Works on paper are more susceptible to UV damage than canvas, but all paintings, including varnished ones, will eventually fade in strong sunlight.

 

Keeping It Clean

Over time, dust, oils and other particles settle on the surface. This is particularly noticeable on paintings with very dark or light tones, where it can reduce overall contrast.

Acrylic paintings on stretched canvas and canvas board

Routine Dusting: Use a large, clean make-up brush or a soft watercolour or fan brush. Begin at the top and work downwards, lifting dust away gently. Keep this brush solely for cleaning, and wash it occasionally with a small amount of washing-up liquid, rinse thoroughly, and allow to dry completely before use.

Stubborn grime:  If brushing alone is not enough, dampen a soft cotton cloth with plain water and gently wipe the surface in small circular motions, without pressing too hard. This applies to varnished paintings on canvas only.

Persistent marks: Seek professional advice. If the painting is one of mine, please get in touch, I may be able to help.

 

Works on paper: unframed or framed with acrylic glazing

For unframed works on paper, the only safe cleaning method is a very gentle pass with a soft brush. No water, no cloths, nothing more.

For framed works, the painting surface is protected behind acrylic glazing and a mount, with an air gap in between, so it should need no direct attention. The glazing itself can be wiped with a soft, dry lint-free cloth to remove dust and fingerprints, but handle it as little as possible, as acrylic glazing scratches easily. A light touch is all it needs.

Important: Never use cleaning sprays, solvents, furniture polish, or any chemical cleaning products on your painting.

 

 

Storing Your Painting

Stretched canvas

Store upright, never flat. Wrap loosely in a sheet of glassine or acid-free tissue paper (not plastic as plastic traps moisture and can cause mould), then loosely in bubble wrap, unsealed. Keep in a cool, dry room. Avoid attics, garages and sheds, where temperatures and humidity can fluctuate significantly.

Canvas board (MDF)

Store upright, as you would a stretched canvas. Wrap first in a sheet of glassine, then loosely in bubble wrap, unsealed. Keep in a cool, dry room away from damp or extreme temperature changes.

Works on paper

Works on paper need more careful handling in storage. Place a sheet of glassine or acid-free tissue paper face-down over the painted surface, then lay the work flat. Multiple works can be stacked one on top of another with a protective sheet between each. Store in a cool, dry room, in the dark. Never store works on paper in plastic wrapping or sealed bags, as this encourages mould.

 

Handling With Care

When moving or hanging any painting, support a stretched canvas or canvas board by gripping the frame or board at the back, keeping fingers away from the painted surface as the oils from skin can leave marks over time. Handle works on paper with clean cotton gloves if possible.

Original paintings are made to be lived with. Treat them with a little consideration and they will reward you for a very long time.

If you have a question about caring for one of my paintings in particular, I am always happy to help. And if you are looking for a painting for your home, workspace or next project, do browse my current collection.