How to Care for Oil Paintings
Purchasing an oil painting is often an investment of both money and emotion. It is important to know how to properly care for an oil painting in order to protect that investment. Knowing what environmental factors can adversely affect an oil painting will help maintain the pristine condition when purchased.
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Instructions
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Caring For an Oil Painting
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Find out how recently the painting was completed. Oil paints are usually dry to the touch within one to two weeks but take up to a year to fully cure. Paintings that have not cured are more susceptible to damage because the paint is softer. If the painting is newly finished, be especially careful not to touch the surface, as it may damage the paint. Framing a new painting directly behind glass will slow the curing process, so leave about a half inch of airspace between the painting and the glass.
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Keep the painting clean, as dust and dirt can damage the paint. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the surface. Do not use too much pressure, and check the painting before you begin to make sure there are no flaking or damaged areas. If there is a heavy buildup of dirt, take the painting to be professionally cleaned.
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Know how light effects the painting. Oil paints are sensitive to both bright light and very dark conditions. Do not hang the painting in direct sunlight or next to strong artificial lights, as it can fade the paint. Storing paintings in a dark place may cause the pigments to darken; whites especially tend to yellow.
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Take care where you hang the painting. Do not hang in high traffic areas where it is likely to be bumped or scraped. Also, do not hang immediately next to a door, as the jarring caused by the opening and shutting may damage the painting.
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When not hanging, do not lean the canvas against other objects. This may stretch or even puncture it. When moving the picture, cover the front and back with stiff foam board and wrap it with cloth to protect it.
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When not hanging, do not lean the canvas against other objects. This may stretch or even puncture it. When moving the picture, cover the front and back with stiff foam board and wrap it with cloth to protect it.
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