As an artist, your creations are more than just objects; they are a reflection of your creativity and passion. To ensure the longevity and pristine condition of your artwork, it's essential to master the art of proper handling and storage. In this blog post, we'll delve into key practices that will help you protect your precious creations and ensure they endure the test of time.
Proper Handling
Clean Hands or Gloves: Always handle your artwork with clean hands or, ideally, wear cotton gloves. The natural oils and dirt on your skin can transfer to the surface of the art, potentially causing damage over time.
Mindful Touch: When handling artwork, use a gentle and mindful touch. Avoid putting pressure on delicate areas, and always support the artwork from underneath to prevent bending or warping.
Avoid Unnecessary Touching: Minimize touching the actual artwork as much as possible. When necessary, hold it by its edges or use handling tools like tweezers for small and delicate pieces.
Proper Storage
Archival-Quality Materials: When framing, matting, or mounting your artwork, choose acid-free, archival-quality materials. These materials are designed to resist deterioration over time, preventing acid migration and discoloration.
Avoid Adhesives: Use non-invasive mounting and matting techniques that avoid the use of adhesives directly on the artwork. Acid-free hinges or corners are excellent alternatives to tape or glue.
UV Protection: Consider using UV-filtering glass or acrylic in your frames to protect your artwork from harmful UV rays that can cause fading and deterioration of pigments.
Proper Storage Environment
Controlled Temperature and Humidity: Store your artwork in a cool, stable environment with controlled temperature and humidity levels. Fluctuations in temperature and humidity can lead to the expansion and contraction of materials, potentially causing damage.
Avoid Extreme Conditions: Keep your artwork away from extreme conditions such as direct sunlight, damp basements, or overly dry attics. These conditions can accelerate deterioration.
Proper Framing for Storage: If you're storing your artwork for an extended period, make sure it's adequately framed and protected. Avoid stacking multiple pieces directly on top of each other, and use acid-free tissue paper or glassine to separate them.
Documentation: Maintain detailed records of your artwork, including photographs, titles, dimensions, and any pertinent information. This documentation can be invaluable for provenance and preservation efforts.
Conclusion
Proper handling and storage are essential aspects of art conservation. By adopting these practices and using high-quality materials, you can protect your artwork from damage and deterioration. Remember, your creations are not only a testament to your talent but also a part of our cultural heritage. Taking the time to handle and store them correctly ensures they will be enjoyed and admired for generations to come.