4 Steps to Caring For Your Art

4 Steps to Caring For Your Art

4 Steps to Caring For Your Art
Dust and dirt can be the greatest enemies of any priced art work. Protecting your investment through regular maintenance can keep your framed art pieces lasting a very long time. The following article provides some methods on how you can care for your art with some easy to follow steps.
Cleaning the Frame
When cleaning the frame, use a brush with moderately stiff bristles. Brush in an outwards motion away from the picture. Use gentle pressure when brushing, and brush only in one direction, taking care not to scratch the glass surface. You can also use the brush to clean the back of the frame.
The Protective Glass
Using a soft, lint-free cloth, gently wipe the glass to get rid of the dust. Spray a small amount of cleaning fluid onto the cloth and wipe the glass using smooth gentle strokes, making sure to avoid leaving streaks of dirt on the glass. Never spray the cleaning solvent directly onto the glass surface as the liquid may seep in through the corners and damage the artwork. If dust or dirt is lodged in the corners or along the edge of the glass, use a toothbrush to gently remove the dirt.
The Picture behind the Glass
If the picture or art work wasn't framed professionally, then there could be a chance that dust or dirt could have collected behind the glass and got stuck between the glass and the picture. To get rid of this, you need to remove the frame from the picture in order to clean them separately. Once removed, dust the picture lightly with a dry, soft, lint-free cloth, and put it aside Use glass cleaner to clean the glass to get rid of the dirt, but be careful not to get any of the glass cleaning solvent onto the picture.
Pictures that are Uncovered
Some art work, like oil paintings are not framed or covered with glass. So how do we clean these without damaging the art? The solution is to dust the pictures with a lint-free silk cloth or a very soft brush. But take note that you should not brush a pastel or charcoal drawing. Doing so will simply wipe the artwork away. If there's a spot of dirt on the art work, use a slightly damp cloth and blot it gently to get it out. If it still doesn't come out, consult a professional framer for cleaning advice. It's better to be safe than sorry.
So there you have it - some simple tips on how you can clean your framed art pieces. In any case, if you're not confident of doing it, or if the artwork or picture has great value, it's always best to consult a professional to do it for you.
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