Whether you are in the market looking for or just bought a gorgeous piece of art, the natural next step is where and how to hang it, let this be your comprehensive guide to installing and caring for all types of fine art.
Everyone can relate to the feeling of just purchasing a valuable, rare, beautiful, etc object and immediately dreading anything happening to it; the same goes for art. However, according to The Graystone Gallery, a leading factor in artwork damage occurs ¨gradually through exposure to inappropriate environmental conditions rather than sudden accidents.¨ Meaning you are more likely to ruin your piece by hanging it in an unsuitable place unknowingly, rather than suddenly dropping it.
Urban Life by Jessica Margo. Fine art photography framed and displayed in a residential dining room in Summit, New Jersey.
Caring for Original Art Starts With Understanding the Materials
Not every artwork should be handled, cleaned or installed in the same way. An oil painting, a photograph, a work on paper and a mixed-media sculpture may have very different requirements. Before deciding how to care for a piece, it's important to understand what it is made of.
Rule 1: Appropriate Environment
Direct sunlight, excessive humidity, extreme temperature changes and unnecessary contact with the surface can all create problems, depending on the materials involved. But cleaning methods and installation requirements are not universal.
Think about the environment around the work as well as the wall itself. Sunlight, nearby fireplaces or heating and cooling vents, and spaces vulnerable to damp or flooding all deserve attention when choosing a location. The appropriate conditions depend on the artwork and its materials; a single temperature or humidity range should not be treated as a guarantee of protection for every piece.
Before adding glazing, changing lighting or moving a sensitive work to a different environment, discuss its needs with the artist, gallery or a qualified conservator.
Rule 2: Proper Cleaning Methods
Over time, you may notice your work getting dusty, looking visibly older, or not as pristine as when you bought it. Natural aging is normal, but the right response depends on the work's materials and condition.
A technique that may be suitable for one surface can damage another. For that reason, I would never recommend applying cleaning products, moisture or physical pressure to an original artwork without understanding the materials and the artist's recommendations.
Do not assume that brushing, wiping or vacuuming is safe simply because a surface appears robust. Loose paint, delicate paper and textured or mixed-media surfaces may need professional attention. If you notice staining, deeply rooted dirt or discoloration, consult a qualified conservator rather than trying a stronger cleaning method.
Paintings on wood, works on paper and framed photographs can have different vulnerabilities. Moisture, changes in conditions and unsuitable framing or storage materials can affect them in different ways. If you notice rust-colored spots on paper, mold, lifting paint or other changes, document what you see and seek advice rather than attempting to remove it yourself.
Framing does not make an artwork immune to damage. Avoid applying liquid directly to a framed work or allowing it to enter the frame. Ask what cleaning method, if any, is appropriate for that particular glazing and frame before cleaning it.
Rule 3: Secure Installation
The same principle applies to installation. The weight of the artwork, its construction, the wall material and the appropriate mounting hardware all need to be considered.
When in doubt, ask the gallery, the artist or a qualified professional before attempting to clean, repair or install a valuable piece. A little preparation can help preserve an artwork for many years.
There is no universal weight threshold that makes one hook or anchor suitable for every wall. Hardware, hanging wire and attachment points need to be chosen for the actual work and the structure supporting it. If you are arranging several pieces, consider both comfortable viewing and the space needed to move around them safely. Viewing height and spacing can be adjusted to the furniture, architecture and people using the room.
Rule 4: Admiration as a Form of Care
Finally, routinely admiring your art and paying attention to its ageing process can double as a form of care. Practicing this will allow you to notice small changes such as ¨mold, loose canvas, new cracks, insect damage, etc.¨ before they become serious problems. This can save you endless resources, money, and energy down the road if you notice problems in their infancy.
Additionally, Annabel Keenan at Artsy recommends photographing all features of your painting when you first buy it (front and back). This works by keeping an accurate record of any ¨existing cracks, texture, patina, or imperfections¨ so you can spot changes in the future more easily. If at one point, you believe your painting has changed, you can consult the earliest photos of it. This will also help to catch problems in their early stages, preventing permanent damage.
Lastly, as stated by Artefact Fine Art, keep detailed records of your art collection such as: ¨invoices, provenance, condition reports, appraisals, insurance documents, and photographs.¨ These will serve as indispensable for insurance, resale, and tracking general condition through time.
So now that you know how to care for, clean, and install your fine art, visit us at J. Nunez Gallery in Millburn or Summit, New Jersey, to fulfill all your fine art collector needs!
