Simple Steps for Caring for Your Oil Paintings
March 10, 2010 by Lizza Price
Filed under Collectibles
Have you ever thought of getting an oil painting and hang in up in the walls of your home or office? Indeed, oil paintings just seemed to be the right decor you need to beautify your area.
However, as soon as you remove all the packaging materials, you realized that you are lost as to what to do after you had it up. How should you go about maintaining it? After all, good paintings are meant to last, if handled with proper care.
Let me show you some helpful pointers for paintings maintenance:
1. Always frame your paintings up! This is important as it protects your favourite paintings from impacts such as bumps. You could either visit a framing service or do it yourself, whichever is more convenient. Also, do note that framing of painting under glass is not advisable as it will spoil the painted surface of your painting.
2. Avoid direct contact with the surface of the paintings. All handling should be done via the sides of the wooden frames.
3. Expose your painting to the least amount of environmental damage as possible. You should never expose it to extreme heat, cold or humidity. Such changes in temperature will cause the frequent expansion and contraction of the canvas and the stretchers, which will in turn damage the integrity of the oil paint.
4. You must never expose your paintings to intensive light or darkness for prolonged period of time. This is because light will cause the fading of the colours and darkness will speed up the darkening of the oil paintings. Your beautiful painting will be lack lustre at the end of the day.
5. Avoid leaning your paintings against any jagged or sharp objects which will potentially leave a dent or a cut on your beautiful oil paintings
6. Apply a layer of varnish to the painted surface of your oil painting to serve as an extra layer of protection from the environment.
7. It is best if you could clear the dust particles that have accumulated on the surface time to time. A clean, soft brush, micro cloth or low power vacuum are suitable candidates for this job.
8. Do not worry in the event of major accidents or damage to your paintings. You could always visit a professional painting conservator and he will repair the damage back to as close as the original state. This can be costly, but nothing beats more than preserving your treasured memories.
As you can see, all these tips are simple and can be easily done. Although oil paintings are delicate items that require extra attention, it is worthwhile to have one yourself. With such beautiful masterpieces which could last for generations, how can people not be awed by them?
Browse through your photo album now and get your very own portrait painting done!
At Paint The Moment, you will be able to turn cherished photographs into endlessly splendid oil paintings at reasonable prices. Made from the finest material, each hand painted works of art is unique and can last for generations! So don't hesitate to hang your portrait of love in your premises!
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