In addition to making your home much more eye-catching, an art collection can also be a great investment that only goes up in value over time. If you have decided to put some art in your house, then you need to come up with a comprehensive plan for keeping those pieces clean and undamaged.
Start With the Right Frames
High-quality custom framing is one of the most effective ways to protect a piece of art. While it might be tempting to go with cheaper generic frames, those products aren’t always designed to last. A custom frame is going to support the art and prevent it from shifting around. When you purchase your custom frames, you can also make sure that they complement each piece of art and the overall look of your home.
Carefully Choose Your Locations
After you have the art properly framed, you will then need to decide where it is going to go in your home. Choosing a well-lit wall might seem like a good idea at first, but that could actually hurt your art in the long run. When certain types of art are exposed to direct or indirect sunlight, they will slowly become damaged over time. Wherever you decide to place the art, there shouldn’t be any direct UV rays or reflections.
Double-Check the Humidity
Many new art enthusiasts are surprised to hear just how big of an impact indoor humidity levels can have on a painting. When the humidity levels aren’t ideal, it could result in muted colors, biochemical reactions, or a shrinking canvas. Most art experts agree that paintings should be kept in an environment that stays between 40 and 50 percent humidity. As for the temperature, you should try to keep your home around 75 degrees if you want to preserve the art.
Learn How to Properly Clean Artwork
In a clean home, artwork should stay relatively clean most of the time. That being said, your pieces will most likely collect dust over time. To clean the art, you should gently brush off each piece with a feather duster once every few weeks. Artwork should never be cleaned with sponges, chemicals, or liquids.
When it comes time to store your artwork, you must make sure that it remains flat and protected from the elements. For most art, the ideal storage option is going to be a completely sealed container in a dark and dry area.
Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn't on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on Twitter @RachelleWilber.