Oil paintings should not be displayed in rooms with a fireplace.
The thrill of owning an original oil painting can be dampened if damage starts to occur. The best way to preserve an oil painting is to be proactive and ensure that the painting is displayed in the right conditions. While most homes are not climate-controlled like a museum, there are steps you can take at home to help control the environment of the painting. Following these steps will help you preserve your oil painting for future generations to enjoy.
Instructions
1. Hang your oil paintings out of direct sunlight. The Peter Dianni website points out that hanging oil paintings in direct sunlight will cause oil colors to become dull and will eventually cause the paint to crack and flake. The best light for oil paintings is diffused or incandescent light.
2. Control the temperature and humidity of the room the painting is displayed in. Do not hang oil paintings near air conditioners, heaters, vents or humidifiers. Avoid any temperature or humidity extremes, as these can be very damaging to oil paintings. The Conservator Registry website states that "if the relative humidity keeps on changing, the painting will expand and contract repeatedly; the structure will become stressed and begin to fall apart." Oil paintings should not be hung near live plants, as this will cause stains on the frame and painting and can introduce insects that will damage the painting.
3. Clean the oil painting only when needed and only when the cleaning needed is minor. Use a clean, soft cosmetic brush to occasionally dust the painting as needed. If there are areas on the painting that are cracking and peeling, dusting should not be attempted. Do not bend or flex the canvas when dusting or you will cause cracks in the paint. For minor surface cleaning, use distilled water to slightly dampen a cotton swab to remove minor surface dirt. Use a dabbing motion as opposed to a dragging motion. For heavily soiled oil paintings, it is best to have a professional clean it.
4. Remove the painting from its frame and lay it flat on a table. Vacuum the back of the canvas with a vacuum cleaner attachment to remove dust and dirt. Applying a cover to the back of the oil painting can help preserve it and keep dust and dirt from penetrating the canvas.
