Oil paintings can be passed down from generation to generation, stretching as far back as their life before landing in America. Whether you have a colonial portrait or a modern painting by a beloved relative, they all deserve the same level of care and preservation afforded to those housed in famous art galleries.
Our team restores a wide range of artwork, from sentimental family pictures to high value antiques. In our studio, every painting is a masterpiece and is treated with the very same level of care. Our specialist Easel Painting Conservators want to make sure that every piece of art is well preserved and protected, so they have given us a few pointers to follow in order to save our precious ancestral portraits from decay.
Above: our conservation studio treating historic oil paintings
Best Conditions to Preserve a Painting
Oil paintings should be kept around 65°F to 69°F and between 45% to 55% relative humidity.
It is important to prevent any drastic changes in a painting’s environment. Units that provide heat or cold air should not be placed near an artwork, as this may cause severe deterioration. Similarly, avoid any damp locations or areas that have previously been exposed to mold spores.
Display Your Paintings Safely
When you are choosing an area to display an oil painting, consider the lighting and heat sources. Strong sunlight should be avoided, as should bright artificial lights. Exterior walls may fluctuate in temperature and humidity more often than interior walls, but this differs state to state due to the general weather patterns.
If you are unsure, we recommend an interior wall, away from heaters, air conditioning units and fireplaces. The key to caring for your artwork is stability in terms of heat, humidity and any contaminants in the air – such as nicotine or smoke.
Above: a member of our team advising on a display location following the return of a painting after restoration
Original frames may be failing due to age, always check the hanging mechanism before installing it on the wall. The frame itself should also be in good condition, as a loose frame may deteriorate further or rub against the painting.
Most oil paintings do not benefit from glazed frames, as this can sometimes trap moisture between the glass and the painted surface. However, if the environment is stable and you would prefer the added protection, we recommend using UV protective museum glass. If the painting is on paper, we always recommend UV protective glass to avoid it fading.
Here is a helpful list of display considerations:
Keep away from direct sunlight or bright artificial light
Choose a room with a stable environment
Avoid exterior walls if they fluctuate in temperature and moisture
Check the hanging mechanism for strength and suitability
Check the frame is stable and in good condition
Install UV protective glazing if suitable for the artwork
When Does a Painting Need Treatment?
Many paintings have been lucky enough to survive in good condition. If this is the situation, the painting may simply benefit from a conservation cleaning treatment and canvas re-tensioning, as part of its ongoing maintenance and preservation.
If your painting is discolored or damaged, bespoke treatments can be undertaken. Our team assesses every painting that comes into our studio and arranges a treatment plan to repair it with precision. Conservators develop these treatment plans to address the damage without harming the painting’s unique sentimental, historic or artistic value.
You may want to look for the following issues when viewing your paintings at home, as this may indicate a need for professional treatment:
Cloudy surface
Darkened surface
Yellowing surface
Cracked and flaking areas
Uneven paint layer
Slack or lifting canvas
Holes in the stretcher bars
Unstable frame
We can offer initial plans based on your photographs and dimensions. Please get in touch to find out how we can help you.
E-mail us via info@fineart-restoration.com or fill out the form below.
