How to Preserve Your Artwork: Practical Care Guide
Buying an artwork is an emotional and aesthetic investment that deserves to last. The good news is that preserving a painting or artwork in good condition is accessible to everyone when you know a few simple rules. Humidity, light, hanging, storage and cleaning all play a role in protecting artworks for decades.
To preserve an artwork, focus on three factors: limit direct light, keep relative humidity stable between 45 and 55% with a temperature of 18 to 22°C, and avoid intense heat from radiators or fireplaces. These precautions protect paintings and sculptures over time.
The 3 enemies of an artwork
The main risks for an artwork are direct light and UV rays, humidity and temperature changes, and unsuitable handling or impact. These factors can cause fading, cracking, mould, surface damage or structural weakness.
This painting from 1617, preserved for more than four centuries, illustrates what attentive care can achieve: a well-preserved artwork can pass from one generation to the next.
For paintings and sculptures at home, the risks are real but manageable. Most damage comes from light, humidity and heat, or inappropriate handling.
1. Light and UV rays
Light is the main enemy of artworks. Ultraviolet rays gradually fade pigments and yellow surfaces. This process may be invisible at first but is often irreversible.
Watercolors and drawings on paper are particularly sensitive. Oil and acrylic paintings are more resistant, especially when varnished. Prefer low-intensity LED lighting, which emits very little UV, to halogen lighting or direct sunlight.
2. Humidity and temperature changes
Sudden changes in humidity and temperature can be highly damaging. They cause supports such as canvas, wood and paper to expand and contract, leading to cracks, flaking paint or mould.
The ideal level for preserving an artwork is between 45 and 55% relative humidity, with a stable temperature of 18 to 22°C. Avoid extremes such as a damp basement, an overheated attic or a room directly exposed to air conditioning.
3. Handling and impact
Fingers leave oily residues on painted surfaces, encouraging dirt and deterioration. When handling an artwork, use clean cotton or nitrile gloves and hold the frame or solid structure, never the painted surface.
During a move or transport, use specialist art handlers whenever possible. They have suitable packaging materials and can advise on protection and insurance.
Choose the right location
The best location for an artwork has soft indirect light, stable temperature and moderate humidity. A room away from windows, radiators, fireplaces, leaks and damp walls is generally the safest choice.
Locations to avoid:
- Above a radiator or fireplace, where dry heat can weaken supports
- Directly opposite a south- or west-facing window, where UV exposure is strongest
- In a bathroom, because of repeated humidity and temperature changes
- In a kitchen, where grease and cooking vapors can settle on surfaces
- In an uncontrolled attic or basement, where temperature and humidity can become extreme
For bright rooms, use UV-filtering window film, light-filtering blinds or UV-protective glazing for framed works. These solutions can reduce UV exposure without preventing the artwork from being seen.
Hanging and storage
Hang and store an artwork securely by checking the wall, fixing system, weight, support and clearance around the work. For temporary storage, keep paintings upright, protected from the floor, separated from one another and away from condensation.
1. Hang a painting safely
Always check that the wall fixing can support the artwork’s weight. A fall can cause irreversible damage. For larger or heavier works, use two hanging points on the sides to distribute the load.
Picture rails are a flexible and secure solution for displaying several works without repeatedly damaging the wall. They make it easier to adjust height and move artworks safely.
As a general guide, the center of the artwork should be at eye level, around 150 to 160 cm from the floor, while taking the room and viewing distance into account.
2. Store paintings safely
If you need to store artworks temporarily, follow these essential rules:
- Never place a painting directly on the floor; use a pallet or raised support
- Do not stack canvases directly; separate them with acid-free paper, tissue or board
- Store paintings vertically, with a protective separator between surfaces
- Avoid plastic touching the paint directly, because it can trap condensation
- Choose a dry, ventilated and temperature-stable space rather than a basement or attic
Care by medium
Artwork care depends on the medium. Oil and acrylic paintings, paper works, sculptures and photographic prints each react differently to light, humidity, handling and cleaning. When in doubt, ask a qualified conservator before intervening.
Oil and acrylic
These techniques are generally robust. A finishing varnish can protect the paint layer from dust and minor scratches. Apply it only when the paint is completely dry and follow the artist’s or conservator’s advice. Oil paintings may require several months of drying before varnishing.
Watercolor and drawing
Paper is fragile and particularly sensitive to light and humidity. Display works on paper under UV-protective glass or acrylic glazing, with an acid-free mount to prevent direct contact between the paper and glazing. Store them in archival portfolios.
Sculpture and ceramics
Sculptures respond differently depending on their material. Avoid damp conditions for wood, metal and terracotta. A stable base and strong shelf reduce the risk of falls, vibration and accidental contact.
Photographic prints
Photographic prints are sensitive to UV light and humidity. Display them under UV-protective glazing and store originals in archival polypropylene sleeves away from light. This is general conservation advice for photographic works, not a product category sold by Carré d’artistes.
Cleaning and routine care
Routine artwork care should be limited to gentle dust removal with a soft brush or a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Never use water, household products or a damp cloth on a painted surface without advice from a qualified conservator.
Never do the following to a painting:
- Use household products such as glass cleaner, alcohol or vinegar on the painted surface
- Wipe the canvas or paper directly with a damp cloth
- Attempt to repair a splash, scratch or flaking area yourself
- Expose the work immediately after transport without allowing it to acclimatise first
If damage occurs, contact a qualified art conservator-restorer promptly. Early intervention can significantly reduce the extent of the required treatment.
Buy with confidence from Carré d’artistes
Every artwork purchased from Carré d’artistes is carefully and securely packaged, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, and covered by transport insurance included by Carré d’artistes. Our fair-price policy is designed to reward artists fairly while keeping art accessible.
Discover the artworks →Frequently asked questions about artwork preservation
Preserving an artwork means controlling light, humidity, temperature, handling, storage and cleaning. The answers below address the practical questions most often asked by collectors and first-time buyers.
What humidity level is best for preserving a painting?
The ideal humidity for preserving a painting is generally between 45 and 55% relative humidity, with a stable temperature around 18 to 22°C. Stability matters more than a sudden change in either direction. An affordable hygrometer can help you monitor the room.
How can I protect a painting from light?
To protect a painting from light, avoid direct sunlight, use low-UV LED lighting and consider UV-filtering film for windows. Works on paper should be framed under UV-protective glass or acrylic glazing.
How should I store paintings?
Store paintings vertically, separated with acid-free paper, tissue or board, and raised off the floor. Avoid damp basements, hot attics, direct stacking and plastic touching the canvas.
Can I hang a painting in a bathroom?
It is generally not recommended to hang an original painting in a bathroom. High humidity and repeated temperature changes can encourage mould, flaking and deterioration of the support.
How should I clean a painting?
For routine care, use a soft brush or clean, dry microfiber cloth without rubbing. Never use water or household products on a painted surface. For stains or deep cleaning, contact a qualified conservator-restorer.
Should an acrylic painting be varnished?
A finishing varnish can protect an acrylic painting from dust and minor scratches, but it should be applied only when the paint is completely dry and according to the artist’s or conservator’s advice. Oil paintings require a much longer drying period before varnishing.
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