Protecting Your Artworks: Light, Humidity, Framing and Insurance

An artwork should remain in as good a condition years after purchase as on the day it was bought. According to our conservators' experience, the greatest harm to works comes not from ill intent but from small errors made unknowingly: a painting hung in direct sun, a photograph above a radiator or a canvas leaning on a damp wall.

Light

Sunlight, especially its UV component, fades colours and yellows paper. Hang works on walls away from windows that receive indirect light. For watercolours, photographs and works on paper, try not to exceed 50 lux. Use spotlights from a distance and LED; halogen bulbs create heat.

Humidity and temperature

The ideal environment is 45-55% relative humidity and 18-22 degrees. Rapid changes cause cracking and blistering in canvas. Keep works away from bathrooms, kitchens and external walls. In humid areas a hygrometer and dehumidifier help.

Frame and glass

Works on paper should be framed with acid-free mount board and UV-filtering glass. A gap is left so the work does not touch the glass. For paintings a float frame gives both protection and aesthetics. Old acidic frames can cause stains on a work over time.

Cleaning and handling

Do not touch an oil-paint surface with a damp cloth; remove dust with a soft, dry brush. When moving a work, hold it with both hands by the sides of the frame and never lift it by the top rail. Professional packing is essential for long-distance moves.

Insurance

Home insurance usually covers artworks at a low value. Valuable works need 'fine art insurance' or extra cover. An insurance valuation report sets the work's replacement value and speeds up the process in case of damage. Update the valuation every three to five years.

Keep an inventory

Store photographs, invoices, documents and dimensions for each work digitally. This inventory is a great help for insurance and any future sale.

At our conservation studio in Tuzla you can have your works' condition checked free of charge once a year.

Quick checklist by type of work

• Oil and acrylic: Avoid heavy knocks and sudden temperature changes; check the back once a year.
• Works on paper: The most light-sensitive type; rotate displays and store in an acid-free archive box.
• Bronze sculpture: Avoid frequent touching with bare hands; oils affect the patina. Care with microcrystalline wax once a year is enough.
• Ceramics: Do not leave on shelf edges; vibration affects them.
• Photographic prints: Protect from direct light and exposure to damp.

Small precautions prevent big losses. If in doubt, do not try to repair the work yourself; consult a conservator.

During moves, renovations and long trips, covering works with protective sheeting and getting professional help largely prevents possible damage.