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 - "Protect the Money on
the Wall"
- Simple Art Care
- by Christopher Rennie
Ok…come
on…let’s hang “them thar” trophies. Let’s put it there next
to the television, nah, let’s put it over the cabinet, or, how about right
there next to the mirror. Ok, you go ahead and choose a spot…humph…you
probably already have anyway. Just be sure not to choose that nice, sunny spot
opposite the window. In this case, the sweet, Caribbean sun is not our friend. Heat will
destroy a painting faster than you could say, “Where’d it go?”
So
then how are you gonna light it up and show it in all its glory?
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Use incandescent light bulbs because even fluorescent light tends to
damage and dull artwork. |
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Illuminate at the lowest light level needed. |
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Aim the light source directly at the painting, but in doing so, some
adjustments must be made to get the best glare-free angle. |
Humidity
will also pose a threat to your treasure. Moisture will attack the back of the
painting so simply place a single sheet of cardboard as ample protection.
I
know some of you are never satisfied with how a room looks and are always
arranging and rearranging. Just be extra careful when moving your artwork
because believe it or not, coming in after heat and humidity, humans are the
second biggest threat to art. So don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Here’re some useful “Care
Tips”:
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When moving bigger paintings hold them with both hands on the
frame, not by the hanging cord and please don’t play “HULK”, ask for
some help. |
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Pastels and charcoals are very easily smudged so try not to touch
the surface. |
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When dusting or cleaning use a very soft dusting brush and remember
that “it ain't a bathroom floor”, polishes, waxes, sprays and oils
will destroy your valuable art. |
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When storing your piece, cut two pieces of cardboard to the same
size of the frame, one for the front and one for the back. Then wrap it in
some paper and store it vertically, not lying down. |
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Common sense should also tell you not to place wood sculptures
where there’re termites, pastels or charcoals at “smearing” level to
little kids or watercolours where the roof’s leaking. |
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Lastly, but certainly not least, put away the needle and thread or
scotch tape if the canvas or paper tears. Repairs should always be left to
trained professionals. |
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