Only an art collector himself can know the true monetary and sentimental value that his collected art carries. That is why protecting the collection must be a major priority of every good collector.
Proper maintenance and storage can prevent the decay or damage of the artwork. But taking good care of your art collection doesn't have to be too much of a hassle as people seem to think.
Here are five crucial tips and guidelines to consider when protecting and preserving your art.
Take Note of All the Details
You should be aware that your art collection will require plenty of attention and long-term care, whether that's in the form of cleaning frames or replacing matboards. It's necessary to note down key details like what maintenance you did on an artwork, how much it cost, etc.
Writing key details like these can prove to be quite useful down the road when you might need to determine an accurate cost of your collection or hand it over to art conservators for future care.
Pay Attention to the Environment
Environmental conditions play a significant role in promoting the long-term health of your artwork. Exposure to sunlight and excessively hot temperatures can be devastating for any artwork, including unique pieces like Civil War History Preservation art.
The ideal temperature for artwork is between 21°C to 24°C along with very low to zero moisture. If a painting gets exposed to a lot of moisture, it might cause the canvas to shrink, leading to deformations, cracks, and ripples.
Know When to Use Glass
Some people believe covering art with a glass frame will protect it from just about anything, but that's not the case with exposure to sunlight. Every veteran art collector knows to keep their valuable paintings and Signed baseball memorabilia away from direct sunlight, as it could cause yellowing and fading.
That's why it's necessary to protect all of your works that are exposed to any light with an ultraviolet filtering glass or plexiglass.
Keep Your Hands Off the Art
It's essential to clean the surfaces to free them of dirt and other residues, but you should avoid touching the artwork or acrylic framing surface directly with your bare hands. At the least, use cotton gloves to prevent the art from getting damaged from exposure to your fingertips or natural oils.
Additionally, if you have a painting that's not behind a glass or acrylic frame, never use any type of solvent or cleaner on its surface. Simply use a soft feather duster to lightly brush the dust off of it.
Store Each Artwork Separately
When storing multiple art pieces together by laying them flat, it's recommended to keep something in between them to protect them from potential creasing, acidic damage, or curling. Ideally, there should be a 2 to 4-ply rag or conservation matboard kept between each artwork.
If you want to ensure that the art stays protected even while traveling, consider purchasing a solander box. It's an excellent way to store art since it's an acid-free box with hinged front panels.