You've brought home a piece of original art, congratulations. Now the question is: how do you keep it looking its best for years, even decades, to come? Caring for original paintings and canvas prints is simpler than most people think, but a few key habits make a real difference in longevity.

Placement: Light, Heat, and Humidity

The single biggest factor in how well art ages is where you hang it. Avoid:

• Direct sunlight: UV rays fade pigments over time, even in high-quality paints. If your room gets strong afternoon sun, consider UV-filtering glass or window film.
• Heat sources:  hanging art above a working fireplace or near a radiator causes the canvas to expand and contract, which can crack paint layers over time.
• High-humidity areas: bathrooms and kitchens introduce moisture that can warp canvas and encourage mold on the back of the work.

The ideal environment is a climate-controlled interior wall with indirect, diffused light.

Cleaning: Less Is More

For both original paintings and canvas prints, the safest cleaning method is the gentlest one: a soft, dry brush (like a clean makeup brush or soft-bristle paintbrush) to remove surface dust. Never use water, cleaning sprays, or cloths directly on the painted surface. If you notice significant grime or damage, consult a professional art conservator rather than attempting to clean it yourself.

Handling and Moving

Always handle art with clean, dry hands, or cotton gloves if you have them. Hold paintings from the sides or the frame, never by the top edge alone. When moving or storing a piece, wrap it in acid-free tissue or glassine paper, then in bubble wrap, with the painted surface facing inward and protected from pressure.

Framed vs. Unframed Canvas

Framed works have an added layer of protection, but the frame itself needs occasional attention: check that hanging hardware is secure and that the frame hasn't warped or loosened at the corners. For unframed stretched canvases, check the back periodically to make sure the stretcher bars are still tight. If the canvas has gone slack, a conservator can re-tension it.

Long-Term Storage

If you need to store a piece, keep it upright (never flat with weight on top), in a stable, dry environment. Avoid attics, basements, and garages where temperature and humidity fluctuate. Store paintings face-to-face or back-to-back with a layer of protective material between them, never stacked directly against each other.

A Note on Varnish

Many oil and acrylic paintings are finished with a protective varnish layer. This can be re-applied by a conservator if it yellows or becomes uneven over time. If you're unsure whether your piece is varnished, reach out to the artist, I'm always happy to share care details for any work purchased from my studio collection.

Have questions about a specific piece? Get in touch, I'm glad to help.