A good frame doesn’t just enhance an artwork—it protects it from damage. Choosing the right frame and materials is essential for longevity.
🖼 Go for archival-quality materials – Acid-free mats, UV-filtering glass, and museum-grade backing boards help prevent yellowing and deterioration.
🌞 Avoid direct sunlight – Sunlight exposure causes fading and color distortion, especially for watercolors and delicate pigments. If hanging artwork in a bright space, opt for UV-protective glass.
💨 Provide space between art and glass – If framing a watercolor, gouache, or delicate drawing, ensure there’s a slight gap between the glass and the artwork to prevent condensation buildup, which can lead to mold and mildew.
🔨 Secure with acid-free tape – Standard adhesive tapes can damage paper-based artworks over time. Always use conservation-grade hinging tape when mounting pieces.
Many artworks suffer damage simply from being handled incorrectly. Follow these simple steps to keep your pieces in perfect condition:
🧤 Always handle with clean, dry hands (or gloves) – Natural oils from your skin can transfer to paper and canvas, leading to long-term discoloration. For delicate pieces, use cotton or nitrile gloves. & you should definitely always wear cotton gloves when handling prints.
📏 Support large pieces from both sides – Never pick up a painting or print from one corner—this can cause warping or stress fractures.
📦 Transport with care – If moving artwork, wrap it in acid-free tissue paper and use sturdy, protective packaging. Avoid stacking framed pieces directly on top of each other without padding.
The environment where your artwork is displayed or stored plays a huge role in its longevity.
🌡 Control temperature & humidity – Extreme humidity can lead to mold growth, while dry air can cause crackingin paintings. Aim for a stable 40-50% humidity level and avoid placing art near air vents, radiators, or damp areas.
🚪 Keep art away from kitchens & bathrooms – Steam, grease, and airborne particles can build up on artwork over time, leading to damage.
🧹 dust gently – Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth or a gentle artist’s brush to remove dust from framed works. Avoid chemical cleaners, which can damage protective coatings.
🌫 Avoid prolonged exposure to smoke & airborne pollutants – Smoke from fireplaces, candles, or cigarettes can create an invisible film over artwork, dulling its vibrancy over time.
If you’re not displaying a piece, proper storage is crucial to prevent damage.
📦 Use acid-free & archival materials – Store prints, drawings, and unframed paintings in acid-free folders, tissue paper, or archival boxes to prevent yellowing and degradation.
📏 Store flat or rolled (but never folded!) – Never fold artwork—creases can be impossible to remove. Large unframed pieces should be stored flat or rolled with a protective tube.
🏠 Keep in a stable, dark, dry place – Avoid attics, basements, or garages, where temperature and humidity fluctuations can warp or degrade the artwork.
🚪 Don’t stack painted canvases face-to-face – If storing multiple canvases, place them back-to-back to protect painted surfaces. Use foam or cardboard spacers to prevent indentations.
Art should be enjoyed and displayed, but occasional upkeep is necessary to keep it looking its best.
✅ Do:
☼ Lightly dust framed artwork using a soft, dry cloth or brush.
☼ Use a blower brush to remove dust from delicate surfaces like pastels or charcoal drawings.
☼ Keep sculptures and ceramics clean with a dry microfiber cloth—avoid water unless the material is waterproof.
❌ Don’t:
☼ Use household cleaning sprays, water, or alcohol on paintings or prints.
☼ Try to “fix” a damaged artwork yourself—restoration should always be done by a professional conservator.
☼ Hang artwork in areas with direct heat, high moisture, or fluctuating temperatures.
Proper care not only preserves the beauty of your collection but also protects its financial and historical value. Whether you’re collecting art as an investment or purely for personal enjoyment, taking care of each piece ensures that it can be passed down and appreciated for years to come.
If you ever notice fading, discoloration, or signs of deterioration, consulting a professional art conservator can help restore and protect your artwork before the damage becomes irreversible.
I got you.
I love a simple natural oak frame with a white mat – you can nearly do no wrong. Otherwise a simple black frame usually does the trick.
You know I share all of my studio bits & bobs on my website. You can find everything I use here – from framing & decor to art supplies, studio organisation, books & tech. everything you need for your studio is right here & all available for you to purchase on amazon.
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Collecting art is an investment in beauty, culture, and creativity—and with proper care, your pieces can last a lifetime and beyond. Whether you own original paintings, limited-edition prints, or sculptures, following these preservation tips will keep your collection in museum-worthy condition.
Looking to add a new, original piece to your collection? Check out my latest handmade watercolor paintings in my shop!
If you’re in the mood to read more, check out my article on how to start an art collection. If that doesn’t interest you, you can have a look through all my articles for more artsy goodness 😌🤍✨
☼ Canadian Conservation Institute. (2019). Caring for paintings and works of art on paper. Government of Canada. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca
☼ International Institute for Conservation. (2021). Best practices for artwork storage and display. Retrieved from https://www.iiconservation.org
☼ Smithsonian Institution. (2020). Preventive conservation guidelines for art collections. Retrieved from https://www.si.edu
☼ Tate Museum. (2022). How to care for paintings and works on paper. Retrieved from https://www.tate.org.uk
☼ How should I frame artwork to protect it from damage?
☼ What are the best ways to store unframed paintings and prints?
☼ How does humidity and sunlight affect artwork?
☼ What materials should I use for archival storage?
☼ How can I properly clean and maintain my art collection?
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hi, i’m sarah, an australian artist head-over-heels for watercolour & creative practice- it truely is good for your soul.
& this ↑, is my girl alys.
i am completely self-taught in all the mediums i use & i am here to share everything i know with you!
i write about all things creativity, watercolour, gouache, hand-made ceramics, collecting art, & my own artistic process. I have degrees in human psychology & veterinary medicine- so you might find some sporadic related facts in my writing.
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