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Caring for Your Oil Painting: Essential Tips for Art Collectors


framed oil painting of a dog by katie pena art in raleigh, nc

Owning a beautiful painting is a wonderful investment in fine art that can bring joy and inspiration for many years. To ensure your painting retains its vibrancy and integrity, proper care is essential. In fact, whenever a client commissions a painting from me, I always provide detailed instructions on how to care for their new piece of art. Whether you're a seasoned art collector or considering commissioning a piece, here are some valuable tips for maintaining your paintings:


Handling and Displaying Your Painting

  • Avoid Protruding Surfaces: Want to keep your painting in perfect shape? Avoid leaning it on anything that could create pressure points, like the edge of a coffee table. Even the arm of an upholstered chair can damage your painting by stretching the canvas. Imagine you’ve leaned a painting on the arm of your couch while rearranging the room, and the next thing you know, there’s a dent! If you need to lean it on something, make sure to lean it on a flat, even surface like a wall, evenly against the stretcher bars only.

bunny in the garden at Katie Peña Art in Raleigh, NC
Look at him...plotting our destruction...
  • Framing Without Glass: Many art enthusiasts prefer to frame their paintings without glass to appreciate the more intricate details of the work. However, this presents a certain problem: BUNNIES. Not the cute cotton-tailed variety that destroyed my pepper plants; I’m talking about DUST bunnies. Say you have a stunning detailed portrait hanging in your living room. Even in the most immaculate of homes, dust will collect over time, dulling the beauty of your masterpiece. Not ideal, right? You can prevent this accumulation by lightly dusting your painting regularly using a very soft dry brush (like a Home Depot chip brush). Avoid using paper towels, feather dusters, or rags, which have little fibers that get caught on the texture of the canvas. And definitely steer clear of water or damp cloths.


Protecting Your Painting from Environmental Factors

  • UV Protection: Over time UV rays will cause paint to fade, so I prep my oil paintings with a UV-resistant varnish to guard against fading. Even so, excessive direct sunlight can degrade this protection over time. Think of varnish like sunscreen—it helps, but too much sun can still cause fading. The more direct exposure to sun, the more the protective qualities of the varnish will degrade over time. Keep this in mind when choosing a wall to hang your canvas. A beautiful landscape painting hung opposite a sunny window might fade over the years. To maintain the vibrancy of your painting, consider its placement and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.


Portrait of Olivia Porter by Anthony van Dyck, showing damage before and after restoration
Anthony van Dyck, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
  • Optimal Hanging Conditions:

    • Avoid hanging your painting over active fireplaces, near heat sources, or in areas where smoking occurs. This could cause the paint to crack and darken.

    • Also steer clear of rooms with high humidity and splashing, such as bathrooms or kitchens, to prevent mold and moisture damage. (I tend to favor linen canvases over cotton for my work. Linen canvases are more durable and more resistant to mold as well as pests, but they still require careful placement.)

    • If using a picture lamp, opt for LED bulbs, which produce less heat compared to incandescent bulbs. A close-up light with an incandescent bulb could easily cause heat damage to the painting’s surface.

    • Avoid extreme temperatures and fluctuations. The ideal environment is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit with 50% humidity. Don’t store your painting in an unfinished attic or garage where it could experience wild temperature swings. Think of your painting like Goldilocks—it prefers conditions to be juuuust riiiight.

illustration of goldilocks and the three bears
juuuust riiiight

Transporting Your Painting

  • Safe Packing: If you need to move a painting to a new home, packing it improperly could result in significant damage, scratches, or dents. When transporting your canvas, be sure to protect it by sandwiching it between sturdy cardboard panels lined with parchment paper (NOT WAX PAPER) to prevent sticking or damage. Avoid direct contact with materials like bubble wrap or cling wrap on the canvas as they can leave marks and patterns. Instead, wrap bubble wrap around the outside of the cardboard after securing the painting for extra protection.


Tips for Hanging and Framing Your Art

  • Secure Hanging: Make sure the painting is hung securely, and ensure that the hanging hardware is rated to support the weight of your painting. A great brand to use is Ooks. If you’re hanging a large, heavy canvas, inadequate hardware could lead to it falling and getting damaged. When positioning your painting, you should aim to hang the focal point at average eye level for the best view.


  • Mind Your Jewelry: Be cautious of swinging jewelry or accessories that could accidentally bump against the canvas while hanging or adjusting the painting. Imagine you’re wearing a long necklace while hanging your artwork; a careless movement could scratch the surface. Oops!


  • Professional Framing: For a polished look, consider professional framing. A custom frame with protective paper backing and properly installed hanging wire and hardware can enhance the longevity and presentation of your painting. A well-chosen frame can complement and protect it, enhancing its display. Think of it like giving your vibrant art the perfect outfit to show off its best features.


Care for Your Art in Case of Accidents

raleigh artist Katie Peña working in her studio
  • Repairs and Restoration: Accidents do happen. If your painting suffers damage, seek professional assistance for repairs and restoration. Don’t attempt to repair it yourself. Many artists offer these services to help maintain the beauty and integrity of their work. If something unfortunate does occur with your painting, please reach out to me right away! I have a number of solutions to repair and restore paintings and can assist you in maintaining your artwork's condition.


By following these friendly care tips, you can enjoy your oil painting's beauty and richness for many years to come. Whether you're a seasoned collector or new to the world of fine art, these tips will help you care for your investment and ensure it remains a cherished piece in your collection.

 

Are you considering commissioning a custom oil painting? Contact me today to discuss your vision and bring a unique piece of art into your home.




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