Keeping Art From Getting Dirty And Protecting Paintings
Before Cleaning: Keeping Art from Getting Dirty
When maintaining your paintings, you should know what can cause dirt accumulation and damage. The most critical part of cleaning paintings is preventative: it’s much easier to protect your artwork from dirt and damage than it is to clean it.
If you are the original artist of the work, you can (and often should) apply a coat of varnish to protect the painting from dust. Make sure there is no dust on the piece or in the air around your workspace when you apply it – you don’t want to seal those particles onto your artwork! In addition to protecting your art from dust, varnishing also reduces the roughness of the painting’s surface, increasing the color saturation.
Varnish layers aren’t right for every painting, and there are different types for acrylics and oil paintings. Just be careful and always read the instructions and label carefully to make sure you’re working with the right va
Cleaning And Protecting Paintings: in the home/studio
Improper storage and display are common causes of artwork damage and soiling. Most paints are light-sensitive, so you should be wary of placing the work in front of a bright sun-facing window. Oil paintings are particularly susceptible to damage from extreme temperatures and humidity. Consider this if you are storing the work in a basement or attic: you may want to invest in a humidifier or dehumidifier for these spaces.
For particularly older or more fragile artwork, it may be beneficial to have the artwork framed with a glass protector – especially when hung in a dust-heavy area, like higher on a wall. Just be careful – protective glass cannot be placed on every painting.
About TyArt
We provide museum-class art installation, transportation, crating, storage, and display services for homes and offices in Houston, Texas. Our storage facility is climate controlled and thoroughly monitored. We specialize in handling all kinds of art pieces, including large paintings and sculptures of considerable size. Just tell us your requirement, and our team of professionals will take care of it. You can call us at +1 713-869-4044 or fill our online contact form to know more.
