Artwork Care & Maintenance Guide

Caring for Your Collection

Thank you for collecting with Stefani Art Gallery.

Proper care ensures your artwork remains beautiful and protected for generations to come.

Whether you’ve recently acquired your first original work or have been collecting for years, thoughtful stewardship helps preserve both the beauty and longevity of every piece.

This guide provides general recommendations for displaying, handling, cleaning, and maintaining artwork. Specific works may require additional care instructions based on medium, materials, and installation environment.

Note: The recommendations in this guide are intended as general guidance. Individual works may require specialized care based on their materials, age, or construction. If you have questions about a specific artwork, we’re always happy to help.

Display Environment

The Golden Rule

Consistency is more important than perfection.

Most artwork responds poorly to dramatic fluctuations in temperature, humidity, and light exposure. Conservation experts consistently note that stable environmental conditions are among the most important factors in preserving artwork.

Avoid Direct Sunlight

Direct sunlight is one of the most common causes of artwork deterioration.

Excessive UV exposure can:

Fade pigments
Yellow varnishes
Damage paper
Weaken textiles
Alter color over time

Whenever possible:

✓ Display artwork away from direct sunlight

✓ Use UV-filtering glazing when appropriate

✓ Consider window treatments in bright spaces

Temperature & Humidity

Ideal residential conditions:

Temperature

65°F-75°F (18°C-24°C)

Relative Humidity

40%-55%

Most importantly: Avoid rapid fluctuations.

Artwork materials naturally expand and contract in response to environmental changes. Repeated fluctuations can lead to cracking, warping, separation, and other forms of deterioration.

Avoid Problem Locations

Whenever possible, avoid displaying artwork:

Above fireplaces
Near HVAC vents
In direct sunlight
In bathrooms
In kitchens
On poorly insulated exterior walls
In damp basements

These locations often experience significant temperature and humidity fluctuations.

Handling Artwork

Before Moving Artwork

Always:

✓ Wash and dry hands

✓ Wear clean cotton or nitrile gloves when appropriate

Never:

✗ Touch painted surfaces

✗ Lift artwork by the frame corners alone

✗ Carry artwork by hanging wires

✗ Lean artwork against sharp objects

Improper handling is one of the most common causes of accidental damage.

Moving Larger Works

For oversized or heavy works:

Use two people
Support from underneath
Protect corners and edges
Contact a professional installer if needed

When in doubt, call us first.

Cleaning Artwork

General Rule

Less is more. Most artwork requires very little routine cleaning.

Framed Artwork

For glass or acrylic glazing:

✓ Use a soft microfiber cloth

✓ Spray cleaner onto the cloth, never directly onto the artwork

Avoid:

✗ Excess moisture

✗ Abrasive cleaners

✗ Ammonia-based products on acrylic glazing

Original Paintings

For painted surfaces:

✓ Light dusting only

✓ Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth or soft brush

Never:

✗ Use water

✗ Use cleaning sprays

✗ Use solvents

✗ Scrub the surface

Improper cleaning can permanently damage paint layers and finishes.

Sculptures

Care recommendations vary by material.

For most sculptures:

✓ Dust gently

✓ Avoid excessive moisture

✓ Contact an expert before using any commercial cleaning products

Medium-Specific Care

Paintings

Avoid:

Direct UV exposure
High humidity
Heat sources

Monitor periodically for:

Cracking
Warping
Surface discoloration

Works on Paper

Includes:

Drawings
Prints
Watercolors
Photographs

Particularly sensitive to:

Light exposure
Humidity
Acidic materials

Keep framed whenever possible.

Use archival framing materials.

Benefit from:

Stable temperatures
Lower light exposure
Consistent humidity

Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

Textiles

Textile-based artwork should be protected from:

Direct sunlight
Excess moisture
Pest activity

Textiles are especially sensitive to environmental changes.

Long-Term Storage

If artwork must be stored:

Do

✓ Store vertically when appropriate

✓ Use archival materials

✓ Keep artwork in climate-controlled environments

✓ Protect corners and edges

Do Not

✗ Store in attics

✗ Store in garages

✗ Store in sheds

✗ Wrap directly in plastic

✗ Place artwork against concrete walls

Climate-controlled environments help minimize risks associated with temperature and humidity fluctuations.