Handling: Always handle artwork with clean, dry hands or wear cotton gloves. Avoid touching painted surfaces, delicate areas, or fragile extensions. Support works from their strongest structural points.

Placement: Keep artwork away from direct sunlight, high humidity, and extreme temperature fluctuations. Avoid displaying near fireplaces, radiators, air conditioners, heating vents, windows, or in bathrooms and kitchens.

Environment: Maintain a stable environment with moderate temperature (65-75°F / 18-24°C) and relative humidity (40-55%). Use UV-filtering glass, window film, or curtains to protect against light exposure, which causes irreversible fading and deterioration.

Light Exposure: Limit exposure to both natural and artificial light. Rotate displayed works periodically or use archival storage for long-term preservation.

Dusting: Gently dust the surface with a soft, natural-hair brush (such as sable or artist's brush). Hold the painting at a slight angle so dust falls away, and brush in one direction to avoid pushing dust deeper into the surface. Avoid feather dusters or cloths, as they can snag on textured paint or leave fibers behind. Never use cleaning sprays or liquids.

Framing: Ensure your painting is professionally framed with acid-free backing materials and UV-protective glazing when appropriate. Proper framing protects the artwork and provides structural support.

Environment: Maintain stable temperature (65-75°F / 18-24°C) and relative humidity (45-55%). Avoid placement near heating vents, fireplaces, direct sunlight, or high-moisture areas like bathrooms. Extreme fluctuations can cause paint to crack, warp, or delaminate. In extreme climates, use dehumidifiers or humidifiers to maintain stability.

Inspection: Periodically check for signs of deterioration such as flaking paint, discoloration, cracking, or loose varnish. If issues arise, consult a professional conservator immediately, do not attempt DIY repairs.

Handling: Always handle with clean, dry hands or wear cotton gloves. Hold works by the edges only, never touching the surface. Paper is highly susceptible to oils, moisture, and fingerprints.

Framing: Works on paper should always be framed under UV-protective glass or acrylic with acid-free mats and backing. Use spacers to prevent the artwork from touching the glass. Never use regular glass without UV protection, as light exposure causes irreversible fading.

Cleaning: Do not dust or clean the artwork surface directly. If framed, clean only the exterior glass with a soft, lint-free cloth and glass cleaner (spray the cloth, not the glass). Never allow moisture near the artwork.

Environment: Maintain stable temperature (65-70°F / 18-21°C) and relative humidity (40-50%). Paper is extremely sensitive to humidity fluctuations, too much moisture causes mold and foxing (brown spots), while too little causes brittleness. Avoid direct sunlight, fluorescent lighting, and placement near windows or heat sources.

Storage: If unframed, store flat in acid-free folders or archival boxes. Never roll works on paper. Keep in a cool, dry, dark environment away from basements or attics.

Inspection: Check periodically for signs of foxing, discoloration, tears, or mold. If damage occurs, consult a paper conservator immediately, paper conservation requires specialized expertise.

Handling: Handle with clean, dry hands or cotton gloves. Hold prints by the edges only, avoiding contact with the image surface. Oils and moisture from skin can cause permanent damage and discoloration.

Framing: Always frame under UV-protective glass or museum-grade acrylic with acid-free mats and backing. UV protection is essential—photographic prints and pigment-based prints are highly susceptible to fading from light exposure. Use spacers to prevent the print from touching the glass.

Cleaning: Clean only the exterior glass or acrylic with a soft, lint-free cloth and appropriate cleaner (spray the cloth, not the glass). Never clean the print surface directly or allow moisture near the artwork.

Environment: Maintain stable temperature (65-70°F / 18-21°C) and relative humidity (30-50%). Avoid direct sunlight, bright artificial lighting, and placement near windows, heat sources, or humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Even indirect light can cause fading over time, rotate displayed works periodically or use archival storage for long-term preservation.

Storage: If unframed, store flat in acid-free sleeves or archival boxes in a cool, dry, dark environment. Never stack prints directly on top of each other without protective interleaving. Avoid basements, attics, or areas with temperature fluctuations.

Inspection: Periodically check for fading, discoloration, or moisture damage. If deterioration occurs, consult a photography or print conservator, different print processes (silver gelatin, chromogenic, inkjet) require specialized treatment.

If your artwork shows signs of wear, age, or requires cleaning beyond light dusting, we recommend consulting a qualified conservator. Over time, issues such as flaking paint, discolouration, small tears, cracks, or structural changes may develop and benefit from professional assessment. Attempting DIY repairs can cause irreversible damage and affect the long-term value of the work.

Regular care and timely professional attention are key to preserving the integrity and investment value of your collection. To find a certified conservator in your region:

• United States: American Institute for Conservation
• Canada: Canadian Association for Conservation
• United Kingdom: Institute of Conservation
• Europe: European Confederation of Conservator-Restorers' Organisations
• International: International Institute for Conservation

These guidelines are provided for general informational purposes only and do not constitute professional conservation advice. For specific treatment or restoration needs, consult a certified conservator.