Temperature
Art on paper or canvas is fragile. The paints, the stains,
the pigments, the paper, the canvas all are vulnerable to environmental
conditions within our homes and offices. Too much or too little heat in
a room, high humidity, poor air circulation, sunlight and some of the artificial
lights can cause irreparable damage to paintings and prints.
The ideal room temperature for paintings and prints is
70 degrees. Heat accelerates the deterioration of paper and canvas, while
cold causes paintings to become brittle.
Paintings and prints should never be hung over radiators,
heating registers or air ducts. Hanging a piece of art over a fireplace
is especially harmful not only is there excessive heat to damage
the paper, but soot and gummy residues produced by the fire will stick
to the surface of the glass or painting, obscuring the picture. Conversely,
avoid hanging pictures on cold outside walls.
Light
Although art cannot be enjoyed without light, be aware that many kinds
of light will cause permanent damage to prints and paintings. Direct sunlight
will fade colors within weeks and cause paper deterioration. Ultra violet
light present in fluorescent light and in direct, reflected or indirect
sunlight is the culprit that fades color pigments especially
the reds.
Avoid hanging art across from a window or wherever it might be exposed
to direct morning or evening sun. You might draw the blinds or shades when
the sun is bright to prevent fading. Once fading occurs, allowing the picture
to "rest" will not restore the colors.
Art is best illuminated with a spotlight or floodlight mounted at
least three or four feet away from the piece. The wattage of these lights
is lower than room light and when mounted away from the picture, the intensity
of the light and heat is reduced preventing the possibility of light damage
to the picture.
If fluorescent lighting can't be avoided, as in most offices, the
tubes should always he covered with cylindrical plastic sleeves which filter
the ultra violet rays.
Art rotation might be considered when spring cleaning time arrives.
Safely store your more valuable art during the summer months when light
is most damaging. Bring it out again when sunlight is dimmer during the
winter months. And remember, when handling the picture use both hands on
top and bottom or both sides. If the picture is heavy, have another person
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Humidity
Closely related to room heat is the humidity. Ideally it should be 50
percent. If it remains at 70 percent or higher, paper mold will likely
form or brown spots known as "foxing" may appear. In climates with high
humidity, a dehu- midifier would be ideal to protect your art. Just as
you see that pets and plants are properly cared for during an extended
absence, so should you care for your valued art. Have the house aired periodically
by a friend or neighbor.
Air should be allowed to circulate behind the picture. Spacers or
bumpers placed on the two lower corners of the frame will tilt it out a
bit from the wall allowing air circulation and preventing dust from collecting
behind the picture.
A small amount of buckling or waving of the print or painting can
be expected, however, should an increase in buckling become noticeable,
have your framer check for too much pressure by framing materials on the
picture.
Never store paintings or prints in a cellar, damp basement or attic.
The damage caused by extremes in tem- perature and humidity is appalling.
Acid free containers for safe storage of art may be obtained through your
professional framer.
And remember that kitchens and bathrooms produce steam, grease and
heat resulting in an unhealthy en- vironment for your valuable works of
art.
Insects
Insects quietly attack and damage paintings and prints. Silverfish,
cock- roaches, woodworms, and termites inhabit dark, warm places and eat
wood, wood pulp (paper), glues, and fabrics. Periodically check behind
pictures hanging on walls for signs of insects. An aerosol spray or powdered
insecticide may be used for preventive measures. If you find pests present,
take the piece to your professional framer to determine if there has been
serious damage and how it can be corrected.
Lasting Art
Paper and canvas have many natural enemies - don't YOU be one. Protect
your art and it will remain a treasure for a long time to come. |
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