Caring For Your Artwork And Prints
This post is a spin off from the giclee print information posts. Basically caring for your prints is much the same as caring for your original works
The four major causes of damage to artwork are:
1. Light Unless you are storing art in the dark (which is actually recommended for artwork not currently out for sale or display) it will be in some sort of light and all light will cause damage. Light causes fading, and eventually destroys both paper and canvas.
The order of UV damage from light is:
Sunlight, (most harmful)
Fluorescent
Incandescent (least harmful.)
2. Temperature. Quick shifts between extreme temperatures should be avoided. Ideal temps run between 50-70 degrees. Heat will speed deterioration and cold causes brittleness.
“I know it (quality framing) costs more, but if your trying to convince a buyer your work is valuable, you need to treat it like it actually is.”
3. Humidity. As with temperature, extreme shifts in humidity should be avoided. Too much dampness causes papers and canvas to expand. And when the humidity goes down, these items then contract which can cause cracking and warping. Ideal humidity is about 50%. 70% or higher promotes mold growth.
4. Acidic Materials. Like cardboard, wood or non-conservation grade matboard are to be avoided for both framing or storage. The acids in these materials cause yellowing and discoloration and will eventually ruin the artwork.
So with these potential hazards in mind you should never:
Essentially the best way to protect your art is to have it framed properly (um . . . and then stored in a very dark, environmentally friendly closet. Just kidding . . . sort of.)
I will once again remind you that when you’re framing your work, spend the extra $$ and get it done properly. I know it costs more, but if your trying to convince a buyer your work is valuable, you need to treat it like it actually is. Also it is a huge selling point. Trust me on this. Anyone who knows and collects art, will understand and appreciate your extra efforts.
For a refresher on how to properly frame your artwork (as in which materials to use.) use the below listed links.
Framing Artwork Part 1
Framing Artwork Part 2
Banner Hint for today
It (the photo) was taken on the farm and involves critters.
I will show you exactly what this is a photo of, in the next day or so.
reference source: Wildlife Art News
Wow, thank you, you share so much valuable information.
All very good points which we ought to be reminded of frequently. Sometimes I can’t afford it, but I think that any frame is better than no frame when protecting from light and dust. Also with the non-archival mat boards someone told me to treat them as very temporary. I still have a lot of that to use up and am finding uses for it, but I’m ordering archival mat board next month. In white, because galleries seem to like white and it simplifies getting all those colors.
I’m going to miss all those colors though and probably get them for drawing on with oil pastels. Ragmat is good drawing surface.
I went to archival for what to paint and draw with sooner than for good framing, because most of the time whoever gets my art is doing the framing. But I am starting to look at getting into some galleries in town and so all this advice is very good.
Does that apply to style of framing too or just to its conservation qualities? Would it be all right to say, keep it simple with a Blick Spectrum wood frame in white with a double white mat in rag mat and an archival foam board back board for gallery paintings — or do I need to start looking at the higher end frames too? The “Spectrum” ones are gallery deep, they’re for stretched canvas and could hold pretty much anything.
Robert This is hard for me to answer as there are so many variables. So much depends on the type of gallery, where it is located and what kind of work that you do. You mentioned you have a blog, are you willing to post a link (or just provide a title and I’ll google it.) I’m always interested in fellow critter artists.
I would say go check out the galleries and see what they have hanging on their walls. (I understand this is more an effort for you than most) The white mat black frame thing is good for photographers but generally regarding most artwork, I frame to the best advantage of the art. Sometimes that calls for simple framing and sometimes for something more.
I know it is a struggle starting out and investing money in framing. So my best advice is buy the best you can afford at the time. I think archival mat board and foam core are a must, (good for you for doing that, I know several artists who don’t.) After that it is up to you and your budget.