Basic Care of Paintings

• Look for structural changes: cracking, flaking, lifting etc.
• Dust weekly with soft badger or sable brush.
Never dust a painting that is not structurally sound.
• Keep temperature & humidity constant: 65 - 70 degrees F and 45% - 55% relative humidity.
• Keep paintings away from radiators, heaters, humidifiers, direct light, fireplace, air conditioners, etc.
• Do not store art in a cellar or attic unless climate controlled.
• Do not store near furnace, boiler, hot water tank, etc.
• Use two hands when carrying a small painting - one hand gripping the side of the frame and the other gripping the bottom of the frame.
• Large paintings should never be handled alone - two or more people are required.
• Bare hands and fingers should not come in contact with the surface of a painting - pressure and body oils will do damage.
• Inspect frame and wall hardware at least once a year.
• Remove dust from back of frame and painting annually.
• Never transport in extreme hot or cold conditions.
Click here for an article entitled:
Preserving Paintings: Before and After.

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