How to Protect Your Art from Damage, Theft, and Time

Art adds joy and beauty to our life. If you have family heirlooms, or original paintings or loved prints, you need to keep them secure. There are a lot of threats for art – from sunlight and humidity to theft and accidents. Using this guide, you will be able to safeguard your valuable pieces to last you for years to come.

Understanding What Harms Art

The Silent Enemy: Light Damage

One of the biggest threats of artwork is light. You may not realize that it is happening day by day, but it adds up. Sunlight is made up of UV rays which cause fading of colors over a period of time. Normal indoor lighting is damaging enough when the lighting is sufficiently bright and stays on artworks for a long time.

I had a friend who once had a watercolor she hung in her bright breakfast nook. The vibrant blues had faded to pale and the reds looked faded in as little as two years. By the time she realized it, it could not be repaired. 

Humidity and Temperature Issues

Art materials do not accept the temperature-humidity interval change. If things change from one extreme to another, paintings will crack, paper will bend, and frames may come off. Consider what happens to wood furniture in a damp basement – swells and twists. The same thing occurs with wooden frames and canvas. In extremely dry condition, paper will become brittle and break into pieces when handled.

Physical Accidents and Mishandling

We all know accidents happen. A bumped table, an excited pet, and even simple cleaning around art can cause tears, scratches, and other damages. Art pieces are damaged a lot during the moves or while being cleaned by an ignorant person.

Theft Concerns

Art theft is not only appropriate for a museum and a mansion. Even small collections may be tempting for thieves, especially if one finds valuable objects or easy to get and sell in them.

Protecting Art from Environmental Damage

Finding the Perfect Spot

The display or hanging of art makes a huge difference in how long it will last. Do not expose art to direct sunlight. North walls normally receive the least amount of direct sunlight. As well, avoid hanging pieces above fireplaces or radiators, or in places that steam builds up such as bathrooms.

My living room has one wall that is washed by the afternoon sun. It would make a great place for art if it were not for the risk of sun damage. Instead, I placed one of my favorite pieces on the other wall where it can still be seen but is safe. 

Proper Framing Techniques

Beautiful framing does not only appeal to the eyes; it is your artwork’s first defense. UV-filtering Glass or Acrylic may prevent the harmful rays. Matting is acid-free in order to avoid yellowing and damage. Leave a gap between the glass and the art surface to avoid formation of condensation and the sticking on the art.

Climate Control Strategies

You don’t have to have museum quality systems to preserve your art. Simply try to have stable conditions without dramatic changes. Ideal conditions are those of around 65-75°F and humidity 40-60%. Do not place artwork near vents, radiators, fireplaces, or outside walls that could also have temperature changes.

During the winter season when heating bodies dry out the air, think about installing a humidifier. When in damp seasons, a dehumidifier can prevent the problem of mold and mildew. 

Handling Art Safely

The Right Way to Touch

Wash and dry your hands each time before you handle art. The oils in our skin can ruin paper and photographs over a period of time. For highly valuable pieces, consider wearing gloves made out of cotton.

Hold frames from the sides, not the top and the bottom, where the joints are weaker. Never put your hand on a surface of unframed art pieces-hold them from the edges or better yet lay them on a clean, flat surface. 

Cleaning Without Causing Harm

Dust is an arch enemy of art but wrong cleaning can do more harm than dust. Brush dust off frames with a soft clean brush or microfiber cloth. Never spray your cleaner onto the frames or on glass - spray your cloth first, and then wipe clean.

For the actual artwork, unless you are sure of what you are doing, let professionals do the cleaning job. What is acceptable for an oil painting may spoil a watercolor or a photograph. 

Protecting Against Theft

Home Security Basics

Security of doors and windows, through heavy locks on them, are your first line of defense against art theft. You should consider a home security system if you have valuable pieces. Even a basic window sensor can hold off many thieves.

Documentation is Key

Take clear pictures of all your art work and record what you own. Include measurement, the purchase information, and any unique markings or details. In the case of theft, this information is useful for assistance with police reports and insurance claims.

I helped a neighbor to record her collection with the help of a simple spreadsheet containing photos. After her house was broken into a year later, she was able to provide information that enabled the police to recover 2 stolen pieces. 

Insurance Considerations

Make sure that you have an insurance that covers art pieces. Review your policy limits with regard to the high value pieces and supplemental coverage. There are some insurance companies that provide special art insurance that provides better coverage than a normal policy.

Final Considerations

Conserving art doesn't need to be complex nor costly. Simple awareness of potential risks such as sunlight, moisture, and handling is a good start. Proper framing and placement with reasonable care ensure that the artwork remains a source of joy for centuries to come.

Remember that even with perfect care, some art materials naturally degrade over time. This isn't failure - it's just the nature of the materials. 

The aim is not perfection but reasonable care that weighs protection against enjoyment. It is supposed to be looked at and admired after all, not stored away in perfect but unseen storage.