ART & ANTIQUES
Preservation Tips
for Paintings a n d Prints
Light is the real problem when it comes to the
preservation of paintings and works on paper. UV
protection using UV-filtered or opaque materials
helps prevent fading and light damage. One of
the best ways to preserve fine art is investing in
quality framing. For an oil on canvas painting, a
frame will protect both the stretcher and the canvas
as well as give a finished look to the painting
once it is on the wall. Paintings exist best when
kept out of direct sunlight and hung away from
elements that may spark temperature and humidity
changes like heaters, radiators, and air conditioners.
Prints require a different type of protection when
it comes to framing and display. Prints and other
works on paper like antique maps, historic documents,
and the like should be matted and framed
under glass using materials that are free of acid.
Acid free materials like mats and storage boxes
should have a pH level of 7.0 or greater and the
adhesives used in the framing of a fine art print should be
pH neutral to protect fragile works on paper. Some acid
free materials are made free of lignin, which can produce
acid and darken paper, this process is known as acid burning
or tanning. Avoid acid burning or tanning whenever
possible.
Although it is little known, significant damage can occur
during storage. When you first put an antique object away
in storage, everything is fine but over time, changes in temperature
and humidity can occur. When no one is looking,
other affects may take place which will impact the condition
and value of an antique or collection. It is important to
store objects in archival boxes intended for a certain type
and size of collectible. Physical support is necessary for
fragile objects and storage containers like archival boxes
need to be constructed to stand the test of time. What you
put into a storage box like acid free tissue paper along with
an antique is as important as the storage container. One
size does not fit all when it comes to archival storage.
EQUINE Lifestyle
By Dr. Lori Verderame
Photos By Staff photographer,
www.DrLoriV.com
Large paintings should be stored off the floor, preferably
hanging up even in storage locations. If there is no room
for a hanging storage solution, then store large paintings
standing upright in a closet or storage area. While it may
seem like a convenient place to store paintings, never lay
paintings flat, face up under a bed. This will put stress on
the stretchers and the canvas itself. Smaller paintings may
be stored upright back to back and face to face on separated
shelves. Use acid free foam core dividers to prevent
the wire from the back of one painting from scratching the
frame or canvas on the front of another painting positioned
next to it. There are specific techniques to protecting
art, a good rule of thumb is to handle with care, display
works of art away from direct sunlight and store works in
areas where temperature and humidity fluctuations are
minimal.
32 www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com
Proper storage will protect your art collection.
I am the first step in a long journey from finding an heirloom
you no longer need and putting money in your pocket having
sold it online. I help buyers and sellers regularly learn what
they’ve got and what it’s really worth. I show people, on my
youtube channel of instructional videos and via my website,
how to spot that yard sale find, hidden attic treasure, or
thrift store bargain. I show folks how to research and identify
it correctly since there is a lot of misinformation online.
I help people learn the methods to correctly identify all types
of art, antiques, sports memorabilia, and collectibles. Also,
I offer tips for selling your vintage and antique stuff too.
People love their collections. No matter the type of object—
cookie jars, military memorabilia, fine art posters—
collectors want to add to an existing collection, display
their assembled objects, and learn more about their
cherished treasures. One of the most important and interesting
aspects of collecting is preserving art, antiques,
and collectibles for the long term. Many collections include
family heirlooms or assembled collectibles that will
be handed down to younger generations so preserving
a collection is very important. Here are some key points
about how to protect, preserve, and enjoy your collections.
Some of the most critical damage
that happens to art and antiques
happens when objects are stored.
Got your Appraisal?
Get Ready to SELL
/www.DrLoriV.com
/www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com