Taking Care of Oil Paintings

Whether they are works of outstanding artistry by well-known artists or a beloved work of art by the homeowner, a friend or relative, oil paintings need care to retain their aesthetic appeal. Such a painting could be an heirloom and the art lover ought to expect it to last into the next generation. Here are a few practical things a art lover can do to make sure their oil painting lasts.
• Do not display your oil paintings in sunny rooms because the ultraviolet rays present in direct sunlight can damage your painting. This will mean keeping the painting away from sun-lit rooms where windows do not have shades or drapery to control the amount of light that comes in. Your painting ought to be displayed in in a low-lit room of your home. If this isn't possible, then your home windows must be covered with draperies or curtains or screens that will filter out the harmful rays of the sun. Other elements that can destroy your oil paintings are dust, wide swings in room temperature, heat from a radiator, smoke and humidity.
• It is a good idea for the homeowner to switch around an oil painting's place ever so often with other paintings or works of art in your home. There's nothing at all that says a painting or any work of art ought to stay in the same spot on the wall forever. It provides a new and refreshing look to any room having a new painting adorning its walls.
• Oil paintings mustn't be hung on the wall over a fireplace or any location in which they come into contact with soot or other dirt.
• An oil painting ought to also be displayed on a hook that is made to hold its weight, otherwise it could fall from the wall and become damaged.
• Don't use halogen lights to show off your oil painting. The heat produced by such lights will damage the painting. Instead use fluorescent lighting to show off your paintings. These type lights also come in warmer colors, however, they are much cooler in temperature than halogen.
• If your oil painting is on stretched canvas or canvas panel it is very important to keep it away from moisture in the air. Surfaces such as canvas or wood can swell when they become moist from the air, then shrink when they dry out. This can cause the painting itself to warp and may even damage the image on the painting. An oil painting should be stored in a room with climate controls. In addition, damp rooms with poor insulation, such as those found in old homes can cause mold and mildew to grow on the painting's surface.