Caring Tips for
Art & Frames
CARING FOR ARTWORKS
Works of art on paper such as prints, drawings, photos and watercolours can be damaged by light, extreme or fluctuating temperature and relative humidity, pollution, pests, and poor handling, storage and mounting.
Out of Light
Try not to hang pictures directly opposite of large windows, as sunlights fades colours and discolours paper. Special UV coated glazing can help to slow downs the process.
Examine Every Year
Check for brown spots, mould and insects on the pictures. These are caused by high humidity and temperature.
Minimise Touch
Natural oil, moisturizer & handcream on your fingers will absorb by paper and wood, attracting dust. Minimise touch or wear clean cotton gloves.
Ideal Storage Conditions
Photos
- Ideal Temperature 10 - 15 Cº
- Ideal Relative Humidity 30 - 40 %
- Avoid Direct Sunlight
- Recommended Lightings - LEDs
Prints, Drawings & Watercolours
- Ideal Temperature 16 - 19 Cº
- Ideal Relative Humidity 45 - 60 %
- Avoid Direct Sunlight
- Recommended Lightings - LEDs
Documents, Books and Archives
- Ideal Temperature 16 - 19 Cº
- Ideal Relative Humidity 45 - 60 %
- Avoid Direct Sunlight
- Recommended Lightings - LEDs
Oil Paintings
- Ideal Temperature 20 Cº ±3 Cº
- Ideal Relative Humidity 45 - 60 %
- Avoid Direct Sunlight
- Recommended Lightings - LEDs
Types of Artworks
- Ideal Temperature
- Ideal Relative Humidity
- Sunlight
- Recommended Lightings
Photos
- 10 - 15 Cº
- 30 - 40 %
- Avoid Direct Sunlight
- LEDs
Prints, Drawings & Watercolours
- 16 - 19 Cº
- 45 - 60 %
- Avoid Direct Sunlight
- LEDs
Documents, Books and Archives
- 16 - 19 Cº
- 45 - 60 %
- Avoid Direct Sunlight
- LEDs
Oil Paintings
- 20 Cº ±3 Cº
- 55 % ±5 %
- Avoid Direct Sunlight
- LEDs
The Institute of Conservation, United Kingdom
Artworks Caring
Check List:
• Avoid Direct Sundlight
• Beware of Humidity
• Avoid Heat / Rapid Temperature Change
• Hang Securely
• Clean Gently
• Handle with Care
CARING FOR FRAMES
Incorrect techniques and handlings can damage your frame. To lastingly preserve your frame, it is recommended to treat your frame as careful as your artworks.
A Gentle Clean
Dust frames or treat with a soft brush, rather than risk applying water or cleaning fluids. If cleaning fluids have to be used on glass, apply them to a cloth first (rather than spraying the glass directly); take care not to let the fluids touch the frame.
Hang Securely
Check that the cord, wire or other hanger you use is designed to support the weight of your artwork. Where safety is critical, e.g., in children’s bedrooms, ask your framer to use acrylic glazing or secure hanging.
Avoid Rapid Temperature Change
Avoid putting your artworks under direct air-conditioning wind blow. As extreme temperature changes cause damp, resulting pictures to ripple and brown stains (fungal growth).