CARING FOR YOUR ARTWORKS

Hanging your artwork

The rule of thumb is to place the centre of the artwork at your eye-level. Of course, that may not alway be possible in certain spaces or with certain sized artworks, but it's a good starting point.

When planning where to hang your artworks, think about the scale of the room and of the walls. Big spaces need larger artworks to anchor in a centre of focus. Lots of small pieces don't carry the same weight as a larger artwork, even though technically they may be covering the same amount of wall space. 

Finding a good balance for displaying your collection is a form of art in itself! I suggest getting some expert opinions if in doubt.

 

Positioning your artwork

Watercolour paintings and art prints should not be placed in direct sunlight or near direct sources of heat or air conditioning. Ideally, they should not be exposed to challenging environments such as bathrooms or kitchens. If you light your prints, do so only when you wish to display them. The high intensity light will take a toll on them.

Watercolour paintings and art prints should be placed behind UV blocking glass or at least regular glass. They should be mounted with acid free materials and archival techniques. The artwork should not contact the glass, when mounted. The best rule of thumb is that you should treat your reproductions as if they were originals.

Acrylic paintings are more resilient however extended exposure to direct sunlight can add a faint yellow shade on the white areas. 

 

Cleaning your artwork

The glass over your artwork as well as the surface of acrylic paintings can be lightly cleaned using a microfiber soft duster. Never spray glass cleaner on the glass or the surface of the artworks as the chemical reaction can have long-lasting negative impact.

A light dusting is always possible, but should not be required more than once every couple of years.

 

Storing your artwork

When not hanging, store paintings and prints standing upright, not stacked, with protection and padding surrounding them. Do not put artworks in spaces that are not temperature and humidity controlled, like unfinished basements, attics or garages.