How to Care For Your Art

Art is an investment, so it's important to take care of it properly so that it retains it's value and you can enjoy it for years to come. Here are a few things you need to know to make sure your art is protected.

• Keep it away from direct sunlight - even the best inks and quality materials can't hold up to the power of the sun. Feel free to hang your art in a well-lit room as long as the sun never shines directly on it. Also, inspect your prints regularly to ensure the changing seasons aren't causing sunlight to now reach your art. It's much easier to move it than restore or replace it.
• Dont unnecessarily touch the surface of your print - oils and dirt from your hands can build up and permanently stain your art. It's fine to gently handle your art when hanging and cleaning but that should be it.  Also, only handle your art by the edges when moving or hanging and hang your art out of reach of children and away from high traffic areas to deter excessive surface contact.
• Clean your art regularly - dust, insect specks, and other household pollutants can build up over time, but cleaning your art every month can minimize the damage they cause. Never put water or cleaning solution on your art. Dusting with a soft, dry, lint-free rag should be enough. Make sure to use a non-colored cloth to avoid any dye possibly transferring. A clean, white t-shirt works well. In the event your art becomes damaged, seek out a professional conservator who is qualified to properly restore it.
• Avoid displaying your canvas prints behind glass or Plexiglass - this can cause moisture to build up resulting in mold that can permanently damage your art. Framing is fine but optional since your gallery wrap canvas print comes with finished edges.
• It's best to display paper prints behind UV treated, non-glare glass or Plexiglass - this not only offers some protection from the sun and other pollutants, but makes the art easier to see from all angles. Just make sure all matting, frame backing, or anything else that will touch your print is acid-free to avoid yellowing.
• Avoid extreme temperature and/or humidity changes - also ensure that your art is not displayed or stored in extremely hot, cold, humid or dry environments. This can cause distortions, wrinkling, and buckling that is very difficult, if not impossible, to repair.
• Avoid objects leaning against the surface of your artwork - when storing your art, it's important to place two pieces of cardboard or similar flat, sturdy material in front of and behind the surface to avoid punctures or scratches. If you're moving add bubble wrap to the outside of the cardboard pieces and place inside a suitable, heavy cardboard box to further protect it.
• Store your art properly - art is meant to be displayed and enjoyed, but if you must store your art, never store it covered in plastic. This can lead to moisture build-up and mold. To protect your art from dust, cover with cotton sheets and protect the surfaces with cardboard. Also, always store your art on the edge and never flat or face down.

Following these few tips can help ensure that your art will be protected, retain its value, and bring a lifetime of beauty and inspiration to your space.