Take proper care of your oil paintings

Protect your artworks from damage.

Protect your artworks from damage.

1. Room selection:

The room where you keep the painting should have proper lighting, but make sure not to expose it to direct sunlight, bright overhead lights, or hang them near the fireplace. Also, ensure that the wall behind is not damp or moist.

2. Hang it right:

Make sure the hooks are appropriate and strong enough so that the painting doesn’t fall or gets damaged. Don’t rely on regular nails for hanging a heavy piece.

3. Hold it firmly:

Whenever you need to clean the painting, hold it by the frame without touching the surface of the painting with hands. Never use a rough cloth to clean it.

4. Clean it right:

You don’t need to clean an oil painting regularly as that can lead to scraping of the paint. Whenever you do, clean gently with a soft brushes to remove the loose dust on the painted surface. A soft micro fibre cloth can also be used as the painting needs to be cleaned delicately without applying pressure.

5. Expert call:

Don’t try to be an expert yourself, if you don’t have adequate knowledge. If you find any insect infestation, any yellowing or damage on the painting, wrap it in a bubble wrap and take it to an expert or an art restorer for examination and restoration of the piece.

with inputs from Leena Bhasin,art restorer