How to Protect Fine Art from Degradation
If you own fine artwork, it’s important to take good care of it in order to maintain its quality and integrity. With proper care, you can ensure your artwork retains its vibrancy and value.
Whether you are an art collector or own a few pieces that you display in your home to curate your own story, you can follow these top tips to protect your collectables from degradation.
Use a Fine Art Storage Company
If there’s nowhere suitable in your home to store your fine art safely, consider using a fine art storage company, such as UOVO. This type of company offers safe and secure areas to store your art collection for a small fee, giving you peace of mind and ensuring your art remains in the best possible condition.
Maintain Optimal Environmental Temperature and Humidity
The environmental temperature and humidity of the room in which you store your final art can significantly impact its integrity and longevity. Ideally, the room should be between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (around 18 to 24 degrees Celsius) with a humidity of 50%.
A temperature or humidity that is too high or low can cause the colours in your artwork to fade and negatively impact the integrity of the canvas. Not only will this cause your artwork to look less vibrant than previously, but it will also reduce its value.
Install a smart thermostat that continually monitors the room temperature and adjusts the heating or air conditioning system appropriately to maintain a consistent environmental temperature. Get a humidifying and dehumidifying machine to ensure optimal humidity in your art storage room at all times.
Avoid Excessive Light Exposure
Light can damage fine art, causing the colours to fade and the canvas and frame to degrade.
Make sure to store your artwork in a dark, cool room to avoid the damaging effects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Invest in blackout blinds or curtains to block out the light and use only LED lighting inside the room to limit damage and degradation to your artwork.
Be Careful When Handling Your Artwork
Using safe transportation methods is just as important as maintaining a safe place for storage when it comes to protecting your artwork from degradation.
You must always have clean and dry hands when moving your artwork, especially if it isn’t protected with a frame or cover. Dirt and oils on your hands can transfer to paintings and prints, increasing the rate of degradation and potentially causing irreversible damage to the precious materials.
Similarly, you must take care when transporting your artwork from place to place. Ensure the artwork is packed appropriately. The packaging should be soft enough that it doesn’t scratch the artwork but sturdy enough to prevent damage and breakages. Again, make sure your hands are clean and oil-free when you’re packing and unpacking your artwork.
