What are some of the worst things you can do to a painting?

I’d love to say everyone cares for their fine art like they care for their family, but sadly that wouldn’t be true.

People tend to think of art as objects that are resilient, like a piece of furniture or even a car. They might look at it once in a while, but tend to forget it’s there, even if it’s hanging on the wall.

The truth is art needs to be tended to and treated more like family, pets and plants. It needs to be cared for and kept in the same environment that is good for all living things. Art needs to be kept at a consistent temperature and humidity to ensure that the paint and support layers stay intact, and also hung where is will not encounter these, and other issues.

Some of the worst things you can do to a fine art painting are;

• store it in a basement, attic, garage or storage unit

• let direct sunlight hit it daily

• hang it in a bathroom

• hang it in the kitchen near the stove

• spray/wipe anything at all on it

• let the housekeeper “clean” or “dust” it

• hang it within reach of small hands

• smoke or burn candles anywhere near it

• keep a display light on it all day/evening

• transport it in the back of an open truck

These are all real-life examples that I’ve seen people regret deeply, and I would love to help others avoid. Almost all of these issues can be reversed and restored with a bit of time, patience and chemistry.

The take away here is to care for your art like you care for your family and all will be well.