Beautiful oil paintings deserve a level of care that other pieces of home decor may not.
That’s because these magnificent works of art, created by hand using oil-based paints and an original canvas, are slightly more delicate (and priceless) than photographs, crafts, or even other pieces of art.
So how can you take better care of your oil painting to ensure that its beauty is preserved throughout the years? There are a few steps you need to take, and in this blog we will go through each one to ensure that your oil paintings remain beautiful and pristine throughout their entire life.
Looking for hand-crafted, beautiful oil paintings for your next art show or home decor project? Contact Aleksandra Szymanska today to see some of her renowned art, from her oil paintings of the human-animal bond, to landscape portraits, and more.
Or, you can also learn how to have your own custom oil painting commissioned here.
Now, let’s dive into how to take care of your oil painting.
General Care Tips
Artists take a great amount of pride in their work, and Aleksandra Szymanska is no different. That’s why we crafted this blog to help you better understand how to maintain and care for your beautiful oil paintings — whether you had one commissioned by Aleksandra, you painted one yourself, or you got one from elsewhere.
The simple fact of the matter is, oil paintings are delicate pieces of art. They are not normal pieces of furniture or decor, and thus they require special care and attention that you might not otherwise provide to such items.
With that being said, a couple of general maintenance tips include:
- Protect The Canvas: Nothing should ever be leaned against, behind, or on top of the canvas of the oil painting. This can lead to stretching, disfigurement, or other dents and damages that will leave your art looking permanently altered. If you have to lean your painting against the wall or some other object, be sure that you are utilizing a frame or some other form of protection.
- Watch The Sun: Not literally, of course, but you should know that oil paintings are not able to withstand prolonged exposure to the sun. Be sure that they are stored and/or mounted in areas that are out of the reach of direct sunlight to avoid fading.
- Prevent Moisture: Moisture and humidity can also be damaging to your oil painting. No matter where you are hanging it, be sure that it is in a dry, conducive environment with plenty of airflow. If you are storing your painting or keeping it in a place that it is not always readily visible, you might want to consider wrapping it with a layer of breathable paper, tissue, or other material.
Additional Maintenance Tips
Even if you have hung or stored your painting in a reasonable space, the work to preserve its beauty is not yet complete.
You still need to maintain your artwork to ensure that it lasts for years to come. Here are a few tips to make sure that your beautiful oil paintings remain beautiful:
- Dusting: The last thing you want is to discover that your painting has cracked or chipped. These disasters are typically a result of an excess of dust build-up, which dries out the paint. To prevent this, make sure that you are regularly dusting your painting with a soft, dry cloth (no chemicals, sprays, or water).
- Wrapping: If you ever have to move or transport your painting for any reason, make sure you are handling the artwork with care. Wrap it up in a soft cloth, tissue, or another breathable material and be sure that you only carry the painting by the frame. And remember, don’t lean anything against or on top of the canvas.
Looking for beautiful oil paintings of your own? Browse Aleksandra Szymanska’s art gallery and find exactly what you are looking for.