How to Care for an Original Oil or Acrylic Painting

An original painting doesn't need much fuss. A few good habits will keep the colors clear and the surface sound for decades. Here's what we recommend for every oil and acrylic piece that leaves our Colorado studio.

Keep it out of direct sun

Ultraviolet light is the biggest long-term risk to any painting. Avoid walls that get strong direct sunlight for hours a day. Bright, indirect light shows a painting beautifully without wearing it down.

Avoid heat and damp

Sudden changes in temperature and humidity make canvas and wood expand and contract. Try not to hang paintings directly above radiators, fireplaces or heating vents, or in bathrooms and other steamy rooms. Steady, everyday room conditions are perfect.

Dust gently — and only dust

Every few months, lightly brush the surface with a soft, clean, dry brush or a lint-free cloth. Never use water, glass cleaner or household sprays on the paint itself. If a painting is ever stained or damaged, a professional conservator is the right person to clean it.

Handle and hang with care

Carry a painting by its sides or frame with clean, dry hands, and avoid pressing on the canvas from the front or back. Use two hooks rated for more than the painting's weight — it keeps the piece level and secure.

Store it upright

If you need to store a painting, keep it upright in a dry, temperature-stable room, wrapped loosely in clean cloth or acid-free paper. Avoid attics, basements and plastic wrap, which can trap moisture.

Have a question about caring for one of our paintings? Get in touch — we're always happy to help.