The storms are gone, so how did your artwork fare?Here in Florida, disasters, such as hurricanes, fire, and floods, subject your environment to extreme conditions that can damage or destroy your artwork. If artwork is exposed to water or extreme humidity, the greatest damage usually occurs as it dries. The sooner care is given, the greater the chances of reducing the potential for irreversible damage or total loss.
Art Expressions recommends an annual inspection of artwork in order to maintain its condition. Changes occur slowly and can go unnoticed until they become problematic. The first time you examine your art, you may notice many things you haven not seen before. Very few will need immediate attention, but if you have any questions, don't hesitate to bring your artwork into us for a free inspection.
Examination of your artwork is best done with the work off the Wall and carefully inspected on both the front and backside of the art. Start with he wall hanging system;n check the hardware on the frame and examine the work for signs for age and ware. Then check the wall hangers to make sure they are both in good condition and secure.
When examining art on paper, look to see if the artwork is flat or wavy. Paper is affected by changes in temperature and humidity. Paper may become slightly wavy, which is normal, but severe buckling should be addressed professionally. Do the colors seem dull or cloudy: are they
getting lighter? Is the paper changing color, or is it becoming lighter or darker? Are there brown spots, stains, or unusual discoloration on any part of the artwork? Framing materials (matting and mounting) can change and good maintenance requires periodic replacement. Even the finest quality materials and UV-filtering glazing do not provide unlimited protection.
Works on canvas should also be removed from the wall for inspection. The two most common foundations for paintings are a stretched canvas or a rigid support, such as a wood panel. Both need to be examined. A stretched canvas should be flat or taut, not loose and wavy. A rigid support should be flat, not bowed. The paint surface and colors should be consistent in sheen. The paint should be flat, not cupped, or cracked, and there should not be flaking. The back of the canvas should be clean and free of insects.
When your work is off the wall, it is the perfect time to clean the glazing and dust off the frame and backing. Always clean the glazing while the picture is lying flat. Apply the cleaner onto the rag, not the glass, do not let the cleaning liquid run on the glass or under the frame.
Now that the storms are gone, take action against possible damage to you artwork by inspecting it. If you have any concerns about your art's condition, bring it into Art Expressions for a free inspection!
