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Conserving
Works |
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"
Painting is just another way of keeping a
diary "
(Pablo Picasso)
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Although
works of art on paper such as prints, drawings, and
watercolors are inherently fragile, they can be easily
and effectively protected from damage and deterioration.
Preservation measures include: |
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Proper
Storage and Handling
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Works
of art on paper should be touched as little as possible.
Be sure that your hands are very clean, or wear white
cotton gloves. Better yet, mat, frame, or store the
works in a manner that permits viewing and transporting
without direct handling. Its a good idea to make sure
that your framed works have the proper backing and
are covered on the backside to keep the tiny paper-eaters
(insects) out. When they die they release acids that
will discolor your artwork. When you see those brown
specks, you know they are there! |
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Protection
from Light
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Light
causes fading of artwork. Art Museums take special
precautions to limit exposure of it's invaluable masterpieces
to both natural and artificial light. Light can also
darken or cause paper to become brittle. The damage
to both, pigment and paper is cumulative and irreversible. |
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Protection
from Extreme Temperature and Relative Humidity
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Because
warm or moist conditions accelerate deterioration,
temperature and relative humidity (RH) should not
exceed 20C and 60%, respectively. High temperature
and RH also encourage mold growth and insect activity.
Very low RH, below 25%, is believed to be less damaging
but may cause paper to become brittle. During periods
of high humidity, use fans to circulate air and help
discourage mold growth. Above all, do not store works
of art in basements or attics. Do not hang them in
bathrooms or over heat sources. Unless the building
has excellent climate controls, do not subject art
on paper to seaside locations or other damp areas. |
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Protection
from Gaseous Pollution & Airborne Particles
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Dust
and soot will soil delicate, porous paper surfaces
and are difficult to remove safely. Ubiquitous pollutants
from industrial gases, auto emissions, and heating
compounds are readily absorbed into paper, where they
form harmful chemicals that discolor or embrittle.
In addition, sources of internal air pollution, such
as copying machines, new construction materials, paint
fumes, new carpets, janitorial supplies, and emissions
from wooden cabinets, can attack paper. |
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HOW
TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR ART COLLECTION |
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Protecting
your art-works is quite easy and it will ensure you
many years of pleasure from the paintings you have
acquired There are many kinds of paintings, but we
will focus on two main categories:
1. Oil or acrylic works on canvas.
2. Works on paper. |
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Framing
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Framing
is a most important factor in caring for art-work,
and is well worth the investment.
There are a few rules that should be followed:
Works on canvas:
Works on canvas must always be framed without glass
and the canvas must be stretched properly on the supporting
frame, to minimize fluctuation of the canvas, as a
result of changes in temperature and humidity. These
are factors that might cause shrinking and expansion
of the paint layer, that will result in cracks in
the paint.
Works on paper:
Paper-work must always be framed under glass to protect
the paper, but without contact between the two. A
carton mount surrounding the art-work will protect
it. The mount and the back should always be acid-free
carton.
Valuable works on paper should preferably be framed
with polycarbonate - a perspex sheet with UV filters-
instead of glass. This will prevent fading.
Ask your framer to use acid-free tapes that will not
stain your art-work. |
| Hanging |
When
hanging paintings, one must keep in mind two major
enemies; direct light and humidity. These factors
considered, here are a few guidelines:
Housekeeping Guidelines
1. Paintings must not be cleaned with water or any
other cleaning materials.
2. Paintings on canvas may be lightly brushed with
a feather duster to remove dust.
3. Paintings should be removed from the wall twice
a year and the back of the painting should be examined.
Paintings on canvas should be turned upside down and
given a gentle shake to remove dust.
4. Frames should be examined regularly for wood-worm.
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| When
does a painting need professional treatment? |
1.
If prominent cracks appear in the paint layer.
2. If paint lifts from the canvas.
3. If yellow spots appear on the surface or back of
your paper-work - this is a sign of fungi that must
be removed.
Remark: As these spots usually appear first on the
back of the paper, it is most important to examine
the back of your paintings regularly.
4. If waves or bumps appear in the canvas - this means
your painting needs re-stretching.
5. If there is a general change of tone of your painting
- paintings covered with varnish tend to turn yellowish
or brown over the years, sometimes to the extent that
some details of the painting disappear.
6. If your painting has been exposed to water - preferably
while it is still wet. |
| Storage |
If
you have paintings that are not hanging, temporarily,
they should be stored in appropriate conditions.
The climatic conditions in which the paintings are
stored should not be dramatically different from
those where the paintings will eventually be hung.
The transition between a cold, damp basement or
a hot attic to a climatized room could be disastrous.
The guideline for storing is airflow.
1. Stored paintings should be raised off the floor
to allow air-flow and to protect them from water
damage.
2. Stored paintings should be covered with cotton
sheets and not polythene that may cause mould.
3. Carton or ply dividers should be inserted between
the paintings to avoid pressure.
4. Choose interior walls rather than exterior walls
for stacking your stored paintings. They are drier.
5. If you are storing paintings for a long period,
then we would advise you to examine them periodically,
to dust them and change the protecting covers. Sachets
of silica gel will help protect your paintings from
humidity.
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