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Caring for YOUR artwork

Framed units are often collected from the framer, hung and left to fend for themselves!! The purpose of this report is to encourage you to keep a “maintenance” eye, as well as an “appreciative” eye, on your artwork. Establish a routine to REGULARLY check all framed units hung (or stored), so that if problems are observed, you can seek immediate help (the following points are grouped under headings listed alphabetically).

1) Cleaning

• oil and acrylic works: do not dust with a cloth as it may lift loose pieces of the artwork. Use a soft art brush.
• framed units: do not clean the glass or acrylic covering with water or spray units as the moisture may run to the bottom of the frame and cause mould and/or mildew inside the framed unit - clean with a damp cloth and dry with a soft dry cloth.

2) Dust and pollutants

Dust and pollutants can cause problems for framed units, so understand the local environmental circumstances.

• dust can disfigure, or even lead to chemical attack on the artwork – therefore dust items regularly
• air-borne pollutants pose a risk to your artworks e.g. salt winds, cement dust from construction sites, industrial fumes, or others identifiable in your immediate area
• if you have air-conditioning, regular maintenance of the units is necessary.

3) Handling of prints

Prior to being framed, prints should be handled carefully to avoid damage to either the print or the paper.

• artwork can be damaged by dirty hands, ash from smoking etc.
• use 2 hands to lift a print to avoid crimps and creases
• avoid touching the image area
• don’t use pressure sensitive tape or blue-tac anywhere on the print
• if prints are to be transported, ensure they are adequately packed.

4) Hanging

Framed units can be hung directly on the wall by nailing/screwing a hook thereto or inserting a wall plug, or by using a hanging system that has cords dropping from a track.

• at the initial hanging, the use of two hooks should be considered – this reduces the weight on each hook
• thereafter, each framed unit may need to be removed to ascertain:
• if the cord or wire is still firmly attached to the frame?
• if removed, check the hooks remain firm in the wall (the mere act of removing the unit may cause the hooks to loosen so you will need to carefully assess whether stronger/larger hooks are required)
• all framing tape should be firmly in place – if not, dust, insects or vermin may gain entrance to the frame interior and render damage to the enclosed artwork.

5) Hot and cold environments

Be careful in selecting places to hang framed artwork, as hot or cold environment locations will affect the unit.

• do not hang framed units over fire places or other places where heat emanates from – any combination of heat, soot or smoke will cause damage
• rapid changes in temperature accelerate the expansion and contraction of items - this creates harmful internal tensions that may cause serious damage to the artwork or materials within
• check for dampness on the outside of any outer wall where framed units are to be hung – if excessive it may seep through the wall and affect the unit(s)
• do not hang framed units in areas where dampness occurs e.g. basements, cellars, bathrooms etc.

6) Insects and vermin

Insects and/or vermin can be difficult to control, so be ever vigilant!

• vacuum the building regularly to remove insects; their eggs and materials they may use to breed in
• beware of pests brought into the home in fresh flowers, vegetation etc.
• framed units can be attacked by insects when not sealed properly – once admission is gained, they can attack paper, paint, glue etc
• ventilate all areas where framed units are hung to ensure air does not become stale
• restrict foodstuffs to designated food areas.

7) Light

All light fades artworks – less light means less fading, but fading is not reversible.

• all forms of light ( including the sun, light bulbs and fluorescent lights) contain varying degrees of radiation which can damage artwork
• ultraviolet rays are damaging to both paper and textile materials and lead to irreparable fading and discolouration
• fluorescent lights - use low ultra-violet emitting tubes
• spotlights - avoid high powered lights and install time sensors to ensure use as required
• do not hang framed units in direct or reflected sunlight
• avoid hanging or placing your framed units opposite a window
• reduce daylight in the home by the use of curtains, blinds and awnings
• ultra-violet filtering glass should be used on all items of value (this is a topic on its own and will be dealt with in a separate report.)

8) Relative Humidity (RH)

The atmosphere naturally contains water vapour. The maximum quantity it can contain rises with temperature. The Relative Humidity is a measure of how close the air is to its saturation point, thus how “wet” or “dry” it is at any given temperature.

• humidity is a major enemy of paper and prints – mould is probably the worst consequence at high levels but an increase of insect activity and the corrosion of metals are other problems. Low RH causes materials to dry out and often become brittle.
• museum curators recommend 50% humidity is best for works of art
• increased humidity will cause paper to expand, while decreased humidity causes shrinkage – this is one reason why it is difficult to keep paper flat
• in higher humidity, say 70%+, mould and mildew are likely to occur
• it may be best not to store, or display, framed units on external walls, but rather internal rooms and other areas with stable RH
• free flow of fresh air can control mould and mildew i.e. small bump-ons on the rear base of a frame unit will allow air to circulate around the unit
• air conditioning units that only operate part of the day, create two different moisture environments for artworks to adjust to
• artwork hung in units or other holiday accommodation needs to be carefully monitored as humidity levels will vary during periods of non-occupancy.

9) Storage

It is easy to store and forget - framed units in storage need to be checked at regular intervals.

• remove unframed prints from cardboard containers – such containers are usually not acid-free and will damage whatever is in contact with them
• don’t store unframed prints on the floor, but rather elevate them so that air circulates around them
• don’t store unframed prints directly on top of one and other – if there is more than one, they should be separated by acid-free tissues
• use wooden storage units ( in preference to metallic shelving as it may cause condensation which will damage any artwork so stored)
• don’t store artwork in areas where large fluctuations in temperature or humidity occur
• don’t store items in unidentified plastics – this could encourage mould growth and trap contaminants
• framed units in storage need to be cleaned to remove dust or vermin.

10) Temperature

Temperature is a measure of heat – all materials respond to changes in heat. Temperature affects Relative Humidity.

• if no water vapour is added to the air, RH drops as temperature rises
• with water vapour in the air, RH will rise as temperature falls.
• insulate areas where temperature is likely to rise e.g. windows on a sunny day, attics, etc. as the increased temperature creates a friendly environment for mould growth and pests
• room temperature is affected by positioning of doors, windows, skylights, even equipment such as computers.
• keep curtains closed when rooms not in use
• cool external walls may encourage mould growth on the back of framed units