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The ideal environmental conditions for all artworks are as follows:

The temperature should be maintained between 18 – 21 degrees Celsius.

Humidity should be kept between 40 – 60% to prevent cracking, warping, or mold.

Of course, the above recommendations are museum-level controls and difficult to control in the home environment. What I do advise is to follow the suggestions below…

Did you know that sunlight can fade artwork over time?

Even the best archival artworks need to be displayed away from direct sunlight! Although it would take years to affect the integrity of the artwork visibly, I strongly suggest keeping your artwork out of direct sunlight.

If you really desire to hang artwork in ‘the perfect space’, but it receives sunlight, you should at least install UV protective film (window tinting).

Do not hang artwork over a fireplace, a heater, or an air conditioner. The extreme fluctuations in temperature could make the artwork shrink and expand. Over time, the artwork might warp, or the paint could crack.

Finally, do not hang artwork on a damp wall. I prime and seal all my paintings, front and back to add longevity and integrity to my artworks. However, repeated exposure to dampness or condensation could eventually break down and penetrate a weak spot. You do not want mold on the back of an artwork.

Care Instructions: written by Stuart Currie with the aid of ChatGPT

Bibliography
“Care and Handling of Artworks” by The Getty Conservation Institute
“Guidelines for Cleaning Glazing on Framed Artworks” by The Smithsonian Institution

Professional Cleaning:

For significant dirt or damage, consult a professional conservator.

Home Care:

Never use strong chemicals or scouring pads!

Cleaning Acrylic or Oil Paintings at Home

Materials Needed:
    Soft, natural-bristle brush (e.g., sable or hog hair)
    Lint-free, soft cloths (e.g., microfiber)
    Distilled water
    Mild dishwashing detergent (without ammonia or bleach)
    Cotton swabs

Surface Dusting

Preparation: Ensure the painting is on a stable, flat surface and well-lit.
Dust Removal: Gently dust the surface using a soft, natural bristle brush. Start at the top and work your way down, being careful not to press too hard.

Spot Testing

Solution Preparation: Mix a small amount of mild dishwashing detergent with distilled water (a few drops of detergent per cup of water).
Test Area: Dampen a cotton swab with the solution and gently test a small, inconspicuous area of the painting. This will help ensure that the cleaning solution does not damage the paint.
Cleaning the Surface

Damp Cloth: Dampen a lint-free cloth with the cleaning solution. It should be damp, not wet.
Wiping: Gently wipe the surface in circular motions, working in small sections. Avoid excessive moisture and pressure.
Rinsing: Immediately follow with a damp cloth (distilled water only) to remove any soap residue. Again, the cloth should be damp, not wet.
Drying: Use a dry, lint-free cloth to pat the area dry.

Final Inspection

Check for Residue: Ensure no remaining soap residues, and there is no moisture on the painting.
Additional Cleaning: If necessary, repeat the process on other areas, always working in small sections.
Important Tips:
Minimal Moisture: Always use minimal moisture to avoid damaging the painting.
Avoid Scrubbing: Do not scrub the surface, as this can damage the paint layer.

Care Instructions: written by Stuart Currie with the aid of ChatGPT

Bibliography
“Care and Handling of Artworks” by The Getty Conservation Institute
“Guidelines for Cleaning Glazing on Framed Artworks” by The Smithsonian Institution

Handling

Gloves: Use clean, white cotton or nitrile gloves to handle artworks to prevent oils from your skin from transferring.
Support: Always support the artwork from underneath. Avoid touching the surface of paintings or drawings directly.

Framing

Materials: Use acid-free matting and backing materials to prevent chemical degradation.
Glazing: Consider UV-protective glass or acrylic to reduce light damage.
Sealing: Ensure frames are properly sealed to keep out dust and pollutants.

Cleaning Glass Covering

Materials Needed:

Glass cleaner (ammonia-free)
Distilled water
Lint-free microfiber cloths
Soft, natural-bristle brush (optional, for dusting)

Dusting: Gently dust the glass surface with a soft, natural bristle brush or a dry microfiber cloth to remove any loose dust.
Cleaner Preparation: Spray a small amount of glass cleaner onto a lint-free microfiber cloth. Avoid spraying the cleaner directly onto the glass to prevent any liquid from seeping under the glass and damaging the artwork.
Wiping: Gently wipe the glass in a circular motion. For larger pieces, work in small sections.
Drying: Use a dry microfiber cloth to remove any remaining cleaner and to polish the glass.

Cleaning Acrylic Covering

Materials Needed:

Acrylic cleaner or mild dishwashing detergent
Distilled water
Lint-free microfiber cloths
Soft, natural-bristle brush (optional, for dusting)

Dusting: Gently dust the acrylic surface with a soft, natural-bristle brush or a dry microfiber cloth to remove any loose dust.
Cleaner Preparation: If using an acrylic cleaner, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Alternatively, mix a few drops of mild dishwashing detergent with distilled water.
Cleaning Solution Application: Dampen a microfiber cloth with the cleaning solution. Avoid spraying the cleaner directly onto the acrylic.
Wiping: Gently wipe the acrylic in straight motions (up and down or side to side), as circular motions can cause static buildup and attract more dust.
Drying: Use a dry microfiber cloth to remove any remaining solution and to polish the acrylic.
Important Tips:
Minimal Moisture: Use minimal moisture to prevent any liquid from seeping under the glass or acrylic.
No Abrasives: Avoid using paper towels, as they can scratch both glass and acrylic. Never use abrasive cleaners or pads.
Support the Frame: Ensure the frame is supported and stable while cleaning to avoid knocking it over or putting stress on the artwork.

Care Instructions: written by Stuart Currie with the aid of ChatGPT

Bibliography
“Care and Handling of Artworks” by The Getty Conservation Institute
“Guidelines for Cleaning Glazing on Framed Artworks” by The Smithsonian Institution

Specific Care for Drawings
Storage

Flat Storage: Store unframed drawings flat in a clean, dry environment. Use acid-free folders or boxes. Place acid-free tissue or glassine paper between each drawing or paper artwork if layering.
Avoid Rolls: Avoid rolling drawings as it can cause creases and damage.

Matting and Framing

Matting: Use archival-quality, acid-free matting to separate the drawing from the glass.
Glass: Always use UV-filtering glass to protect against light damage.

Handling

Support: Use a rigid support like an acid-free board when moving unframed drawings to prevent bending.

Specific Care for  Stretcher Canvas Paintings
Storage

Upright Storage: Store paintings upright in a clean, dry environment. Cover the entire surface with acid-free tissue paper or glassine paper. Wrap the painting in 2 layers of environmental bubble wrap (green colour). Avoid laying other objects on the wrapped painting.

Care Instructions: written by Stuart Currie with the aid of ChatGPT

Bibliography
“Care and Handling of Artworks” by The Getty Conservation Institute
“Guidelines for Cleaning Glazing on Framed Artworks” by The Smithsonian Institution