Care & Handling
UNPACKING FROM SHIPPING BOXES
Completely remove all shipping tape before removing the artwork from its plastic sleeves and shipping box.
Shipping tape could accidentally adhere to artwork as it's being removed and damage artwork.
RESIDUE FROM TOUCHING / FINGERPRINTS
Wear cotton gloves when handling.
Gloves help to prevent oils, fingerprints, and residue transferring to the art.
STORING
Only use ARCHIVAL QUALITY materials for storing, matting, & framing art.
Don't use cardboard, as it has harsh chemicals embedded that will discolor or negatively affect artwork over time.
MATTED / FRAMED PRINTS
You may want to seek out your local professional frame shop for matting & framing your artwork.
FRAMED WITH GLASS
For DIY print framing, make sure there is a space between the artwork and the glass/plexiglass. This prevents damages, clinging, & sticking to glass.
Original oil paintings and some other artwork mediums do not require glass covers when framed.
CLEANING | CHEMICAL SPRAY CLEANERS
Caution should be used when art needs cleaning.
Never spray art with chemical cleaners, dusting spray, or other types of household cleaning liquids.
Seek the advice of a professional art restoration expert if your original painting is exposed to grime, smoke, damaged, torn, or discolored.
ORIGINAL OILS
Oils should only require light dusting with a soft feather duster or soft cloth. We do not recommend wiping with paper towels, as they can slightly scratch the surface.
Never spray art with chemical cleaners, dusting spray, or other types of household cleaning liquids.
Seek the advice of a professional art restoration expert if your original painting is exposed to dirt, grime, smoke, damaged, torn, or discolored.
PRINTS
Framed prints should only require light dusting with a soft feather duster or soft cloth. If liquid cleaners must be used to clean any glass surface, DO NOT SPRAY DIRECTLY onto the glass. It's best to spray glass cleaners onto your soft cloth first with an ammonia free spray, then gently wipe the glass clean.
Also, paper towels can leave soft scratch marks on glass/ plexiglass.
CANVAS / ACRYLIC SURFACE PRINTS
Gently dust with a soft feather duster or soft cloth. Only apply light pressure.
Do not use paper towels & do not use any cleaning spray, or chemicals.
FRAMES
Frames should only require periodic dusting. Use a feather duster or soft dry cloth to gently wipe clean.
Avoid chemical spray cleaners as they could negatively react to the surface, or leave residue (cloudy) layers.
DISPLAYING
LIGHTS
When lighting your artwork, good lighting at appropriate angles and distance will help enhance your display.
Avoid placing lights too close that can heat the surface of the art, or cause too much bright light hitting the surface.
You may want to seek the advice of a professional art lighting consultant for the best combination of lighting balance, kelvin color balance, and overall presentation of artwork hanging.
AVOID UV SUNLIGHT UV sun rays are very destructive.
DIRECT SUNLIGHT
If artwork is exposed to direct sunlight shining in through windows, glass doors, etc., at anytime during the day, it could cause fading and discoloration, especially over time.
INDIRECT SUNLIGHT
Indirect sunlight, that is bouncing in from bright outdoor surfaces such as concrete sidewalks, patios, bright walls, etc., can also cause fading and discoloration.
Make sure your art is safe from direct & indirect sunlight throughout the day.
HUMIDITY / MOISTURE / HIGH TEMPERATURES
Exposure to high levels of moisture, humidity, and hot temperatures can affect any art.
Its best to avoid these conditions:
• Temperature over 78°F
• Humidity over 60%
Do not store artwork in hot storage units, attic, hot cars, etc.
Do not hang art, in or near, high humid interior rooms inside your home such as: showers / bathrooms / indoor pools / hot tubs / saunas /
Do not hang artwork on walls near water pipes that can burst.
FLOODING HAZARDS
If you live in or near a possible flood zone, do not store artwork in lower cabinets/storage areas that are close to the floor.
Store artwork as high as possible, but not in an attic that can be exposed to drastic hot/cold temps.
Exposure to moisture & heat can:
fade artwork
form mold & mildew, spots, or bubbles
make art stick to glass
warp or bend, especially unframed art
WARPING
If your art warps in high humid areas, (such as an unframed stretched canvas or paper print) you may consider carefully re-flattening:
• Gently lay the art on a solid flat, level surface (like a large desk), that offers additional surface area beyond the artwork's edges.
• Add a smooth, archival sheet (such as an acid-free, plastic art sheet or sleeve, foam sheet) protector covering the art. You may also gently add a large acid-free foam core panel that completely covers the art for an added layer of protection.
• Next, add some weight on top of the foam board. For example, gently place some large books, covering the artwork with added weight.
(Do not directly place books / heavy items on top of any original art surface without first protecting the art! Books and their edges can leave dents/dings/edge marks to stretched canvas, or may chip high raised surfaces of paint layers.)
• Let it sit for several days to help flatten the art.
• Repeat if needed.
If your unsure, or have any questions, first seek the advice of an art restoration professional, before attempting to alter, clean, or "fix" any original art.
