Bringing home an original painting is one thing, keeping it looking its best for decades is another.
Unlike a poster or mass-produced print, an original is a unique object, and a little care and attention goes a long way toward keeping it protected and improving its longevity.
Here are a few pointers to keep your new original painting looking as good as the day you brought it home. And just to note that these are for guidance only, and it is really down to what works for you when looking after your beautiful new artwork.
Where to Hang It
Avoid direct sunlight
Prolonged, direct sun exposure is the single biggest threat to most paintings. UV light can fade pigments over time, especially richer colours such as reds and purples. A wall that gets bright, direct sun for several hours a day isn't ideal for a piece that you're wanting to last for the long-term. Instead try hanging your work in a spot with indirect or filtered natural light.
Watch humidity and extreme temperature changes
Paintings, especially those on canvas, respond to changes in humidity; the canvas can expand and contract slightly, which over many years can affect the paint surface. Avoid hanging original art in bathrooms (unless very well-ventilated), above radiators or fireplaces where it will experience regular heat, or in spaces that aren't well-insulated like garages or attics with big seasonal swings. Likewise, smoky areas of the home if not well ventilated, can cause paintings to yellow over time.
Keep it away from high-traffic areas
Hallways and stairwells are popular spots for art, but if the piece is at a height or location where it's likely to get brushed against or bumped, consider glazing (glass or acrylic protection) or placement in a slightly quieter area of your home.
Cleaning and Dusting
Dust regularly but gently
A soft, dry, lint-free cloth or a clean, soft-bristled brush (like one intended for makeup or painting) is usually all a painting needs for routine care. Dust from the top down in light strokes, following the direction of the brushwork where visible.
Never use household cleaners
Glass cleaner, all-purpose spray, furniture polish, and even plain water can damage paint, varnish, or canvas. Household cleaning products are formulated for hard surfaces, not for oil, acrylic, or watercolour paint layers, and can cause discolouration or permanent damage.
Avoid touching the painted surface
Oils and dirt from hands can transfer to the paint surface over time, especially on pieces with heavier texture where fingers are tempted to 'feel' the brushwork. Whenever possible, try to admire with your eyes rather than your hands.
When in doubt, don't DIY
If a painting has visible grime, a stain, or damage, this is a job for a professional art conservator rather than a home cleaning attempt. Conservators can also advise on re-varnishing older oil paintings, which is a normal part of long-term maintenance every couple of decades.
Handling and Moving
Always carry by the frame or stretcher bars, never by the canvas surface itself, and use two hands to avoid flexing or twisting the piece.
Use clean hands or wear light gloves when handling an unframed or unvarnished piece, particularly for watercolours or works on paper, which are more sensitive to oils and moisture from skin.
Transport upright, never flat with weight on top
If you're moving a painting any distance, wrap it in glassine or acid-free paper (never plastic wrap directly against the paint surface, which can trap moisture) and transport it vertically, cushioned, and secured so it can't shift or fall.
Framing and Protection
Consider UV-protective glazing for works on paper
Watercolours, pastels, and other works on paper benefit from glass or acrylic glazing with UV protection, both to filter light and to protect the surface from dust and handling.
Oil and acrylic paintings on canvas are typically displayed unglazed, allowing the texture and surface to be seen and appreciated directly but this makes the placement and cleaning guidance above even more important, since there's no glass layer offering protection.
Signs a Painting May Need Professional Attention
- Visible cracking, flaking, or lifting paint
- Yellowing or cloudiness in old varnish
- A musty smell or visible mould spots (often from humidity or storage issues)
- Tears, punctures, or significant surface grime
Any of these are worth a call to a professional conservator rather than a home remedy; conservation work is delicate, and a well-meaning DIY fix can sometimes cause more damage than the original issue.
Long-Term Storage (If You Ever Need It)
If you need to store a painting rather than display it, during a renovation or a move, for example, keep it in a climate-controlled space, wrapped in acid-free glassine or breathable fabric (not plastic), stored vertically rather than flat, and away from direct contact with other objects that could scratch or dent the surface.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do original paintings need to be reframed over time?
Not usually, unless the original frame is damaged or you're updating your decor. The canvas and paint themselves, properly cared for, can last for generations without needing structural work.
Is it normal for oil paintings to darken slightly with age?
A slight mellowing of varnish can happen over many decades and is a normal part of an oil painting's aging process, it's part of what gives older paintings their characteristic warmth. If darkening seems sudden or severe, then it's worth getting an expert opinion.
Can I hang a painting in a kitchen?
It's possible, but kitchens involve more airborne grease, humidity, and temperature swings than most rooms, so it's worth choosing a wall away from the stove and any major heat or moisture sources if you do.
Shop with Confidence
Every original painting I create is made with quality materials and is protected with UV protective varnish so it will last for generations with the right care. I always want to ensure you have as much information as possible about your new work so that you can feel confident in how to care for it once you've got it home. You can find out more information on this here.
