How to Care for Your Art

Whether your walls are filled with bold canvases, delicate paper works or experimental mixed-media pieces, art is more than decoration — it’s a living object. And just like anything worth keeping, a bit of care goes a long way. If you want your collection to remain vibrant and meaningful for years to come, it’s worth understanding the basics of art care.

1. Create the Right Environment

Art thrives in stability. Rapid swings in temperature or humidity can cause materials to expand, contract, crack or warp. Ideally, hang or store artworks in spaces that don’t fluctuate dramatically — comfortable room temperature and moderate humidity are your best allies.

If you live somewhere with big changes in climate, consider small environmental adjustments like air conditioning, a humidifier or simply keeping artwork away from drafty windows and heat sources. Sudden spikes or drops are the real enemy; gradual seasonal changes are much gentler on materials.

2. Light Matters More Than You Think

Light isn’t just about visibility — it’s about preservation. Too much direct sunlight can dull colours, fade pigments or damage certain surfaces. If possible, avoid hanging valuable pieces directly opposite windows. Curtains, UV-filtering glass, or shaded walls can help reduce exposure.

Indoor lighting should also be considered. Soft, indirect lighting is safest. Turning lights off when rooms aren’t in use might seem trivial, but over years it makes a real difference.

3. Dust and Clean with Care

Dust accumulates slowly, but left unchecked it can dull surfaces. Cleaning artwork isn’t complicated — but it needs to be gentle. Most pieces can be lightly dusted with a soft, clean brush. Avoid feather dusters, stiff brushes, or liquids of any kind. Never spray cleaners near art.

If a piece has a very matte or textured surface, it may be better not to dust it at all — friction alone can cause changes. 

4. Handle with Respect

When moving or rehanging art, support it from the sides, not just the top edge of the frame. This prevents warping or loosening over time. For larger pieces, it’s worth having two sets of hands. Transporting artworks upright (never flat) reduces unnecessary pressure on the surface.

5. Store Thoughtfully When Not on Display

Sometimes art needs downtime — during a move, renovation or rotation in your collection. Proper storage prevents avoidable damage.

Store artworks upright with padding to prevent pressure points.

Avoid stacking pieces flat or leaning them directly against walls.

Try not to use bubble wrap directly on the surface — it can trap moisture or leave impressions.

Choose places that aren’t damp or overly hot — no basements, attics or areas near pipes or radiators.

Even simple choices like wrapping work in breathable materials and keeping it upright rather than flat can prevent warping or discolouration.

6. Check In Once In a While

Even well-cared-for art can show signs of ageing: areas of paint lifting, tiny cracks, slight surface ripples or discoloration. Taking a moment every now and then to look closely at your collection helps catch changes early. If anything looks unusual, reaching out to a conservator before the issue worsens can save you trouble later.

You don’t need to be an expert — you just need to pay attention.

7. Respect the Medium

Different techniques and materials age in different ways. Oil paint, acrylic, collage, spray paint and mixed media each respond to environment and handling uniquely. Getting to know the basic sensitivities of the materials in your collection helps you care for them confidently.

And remember: art doesn’t expect perfection from you. Just awareness.

8. Caring Is Part of Living With Art

Owning art is not a one-time purchase — it’s a relationship. Caring for the work isn’t just about preserving value, but nurturing something that enriches your home and daily life.

By protecting artworks from harsh light, avoiding sudden climate changes, handling them gently and storing them thoughtfully, you help ensure their longevity. And you’ll find that as you care for the art, your connection to it deepens. Its presence becomes more than visual — it becomes part of your space, your routines, your story.

You invested in the artwork for a reason. Caring for it simply honours that decision.