Care Instructions for Cleaning and Maintaining Acrylic and Oil Paintings & Pencil Sketches

Oil and acrylic paintings have a long history of durability and can be passed down through generations if they are properly cared for. By taking into account a few simple maintenance guidelines, you can ensure these treasured artworks remain vibrant and intact for many years to come.

General Handling and Display

  1. Avoid Direct Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause colors to fade and the canvas to weaken. Display your paintings in locations where they are not exposed to strong, direct sunlight.

  1. Stable Environment: Maintain a stable environment with consistent temperature and humidity levels. Extreme fluctuations can cause the canvas and paint to expand and contract, leading to cracks or warping.

  2. Avoid Moisture: Keep your paintings away from damp or humid areas to prevent mold growth and paint deterioration. Avoid hanging them in kitchens, bathrooms, or other areas prone to moisture.

  3. Proper Hanging: Use appropriate hanging hardware that can support the weight of the painting. Ensure the painting is securely attached to the wall to prevent accidents.

Cleaning Your Paintings

  1. Dust Regularly: Dust your paintings gently with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth or a soft-bristle brush. Avoid using feather dusters, as they can snag on the paint surface.

  2. Avoid Cleaning Solutions: Do not use water, cleaning solutions, or commercial cleaning products on your paintings. These can damage the paint and varnish.

  3. Compressed Air: For hard-to-reach areas, you can use compressed air to blow away dust. Use the air at a low pressure and hold the can at a safe distance to avoid damaging the surface.

Care Instructions for Pencil Sketches, Colored Pencil and Multimedia Work

Pencil sketches and colored pencil as well as certain multimedia artworks are delicate and require special care to maintain their appearance. Although they are often sprayed with a fixative to prevent smudging, they can still be easily damaged if not handled properly.

General Handling and Display

  • Avoid Direct Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause colors to fade. Display your sketches and colored pencil works in locations where they are not exposed to strong, direct sunlight.

  • Minimal Handling: Handle your sketches as little as possible. When necessary, use clean, dry hands or cotton gloves to prevent smudging and transferring oils from your skin.

  • Avoid Rubbing: Even though the artwork is sprayed with a fixative, it can still smudge when rubbed hard. Be gentle and avoid any unnecessary contact with the surface.

Framing Your Sketches

  • Highly Recommend Framing: We highly recommend framing your pencil sketches and colored pencil works using acid-free matting and backing materials. This protects the artwork from environmental damage and ensures its longevity.