How to Care for Your Artwork

So, you’ve purchased a unique piece of artwork that perfectly reflects your interior design style. A few months have passed, and it now hangs quietly, collecting dust on the wall. Now what? Whether you spent £185 on a striking Qarim Zam fine art photography piece or £245 on a Helen Zeray original, art is always an investment, both emotional and financial. And like any investment, it needs proper care to stay in excellent condition for years to come.

At Artamine, we love seeing our collectors fully enjoy the pieces they’ve chosen. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you protect your artwork and keep it looking its best well beyond the point of purchase.

Artamine tip: If you’re buying from a physical gallery or exhibition, ask the artist or curator how they recommend caring for the piece, as materials and finishes can vary widely.

Why Preservation Matters

Looking after your artwork means more than wiping the frame or dusting it from time to time. Most of the common issues collectors face are fading, mould, cracking, or warping, which usually result from simple things like where a piece is placed or how it’s framed. These problems are easy to prevent, but harder to fix once they appear.

The key factors to watch out for are light, humidity, temperature, and materials. Too much sunlight can cause colours to fade, especially in works on paper or textiles. Damp rooms like bathrooms and kitchens often lead to mould or warping. Even the wrong type of adhesive or backing board can cause long-term damage. Learning how to control these conditions is critical for keeping your collection in top shape.

Seven Ways to Care for Your Artwork at Home

Whether you're framing a limited-edition print or installing a large-scale painting, caring for your artwork starts with creating the right environment.

Artamine tip: Always inspect your piece as soon as it arrives. If it’s damaged, defective, or not what you ordered, contact the retailer immediately so the issue can be resolved promptly. At Artamine, while we take great care to ensure your order arrives in perfect condition, we know that things can occasionally go wrong in transit. We'll do everything we can to make it right. Please see our Returns Policy for more information.

Here are seven practical ways to keep your artwork in top condition at home:

1. Choose a Safe, Stable Location

 

Art and direct sunlight don’t go well together. Too much UV exposure can cause colours to fade, especially in works on paper, textiles, or unvarnished surfaces. Try to avoid hanging artwork where strong afternoon light hits, such as west-facing walls.

 

Temperature and humidity matter just as much. Fluctuating conditions can lead to warping, mildew, or cracking. Bathrooms, kitchens, and basements are usually too damp or unpredictable. Choose rooms with steady airflow and a mild, consistent climate. The Milan Art Institute recommends keeping the temperature between 18–21°C (65–70°F) and relative humidity around 40–50%. If you're in a coastal or tropical area, a dehumidifier can help maintain those levels and protect your collection over time.

2. Frame with Archival-Quality Materials

 

A good quality frame should protect the artwork. For paper-based pieces or mixed media, it’s worth asking for acid-free mount boards and conservation-grade materials. These help prevent discolouration, staining, or deterioration over time.

If you’re framing something delicate or high in value, go a step further with museum-grade glazing that offers UV protection. And wherever possible, use a mount or spacer so the artwork isn’t pressed directly against the glass. This is especially important for pieces with texture or unsealed surfaces, where even light contact can cause damage.

At Artamine, all our artworks are custom-framed in FSC®-certified wood. This means the wood is sourced from responsibly managed forests. FSC-certified wood is stable, durable, and low in harmful chemicals, which helps keep your artwork safe over time. It’s a strong, reliable material that supports the frame without warping or affecting the piece inside, so your artwork stays protected, both visually and structurally, over the years.

3. Handle with Clean Hands or Gloves

 

Natural oils, moisture, and dirt from your hands can cause long-term damage to artwork. Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling a piece, or better yet, use clean cotton gloves. Try to hold it by the edges or the frame, and avoid touching the surface directly. This is especially important for unframed works, prints, or photographs, where even light pressure or smudging can leave difficult marks that are sometimes impossible to undo.

4. Clean the Surroundings, Not the Surface

 

Dust is normal, but cleaning your artwork the same way you clean furniture can do more harm than good. Never spray liquid cleaners near a piece, and avoid wiping the surface of a painting, print, or drawing. Use a soft, dry microfibre cloth or a natural-bristle brush to gently clean the frame or glass. If you notice mould, smudges, or changes in texture, don’t try to fix it yourself. It’s always best to speak to a professional conservator. Even with good intentions, the wrong cleaning method can cause permanent damage.

5. Store Thoughtfully, No Plastic Wrap

 

If you're an avid art collector and you find that you have more artwork than walls, how you store what isn't hung matters. Many people mistakenly think that bubble wrap is fine to use, but it can trap moisture and leave impressions on delicate surfaces over time. Plastic wrap has the same issue, and both materials can increase the risk of mould, warping, or surface damage. Instead, wrap artwork in acid-free tissue or glassine paper. These materials allow the piece to breathe while still offering protection from dust, scratches, and environmental changes.

In addition, store pieces upright rather than stacked, especially if they’re framed. If stacking is unavoidable, place padding between each piece to prevent pressure marks, scratches, or damage to the frame.

6. Avoid DIY Repairs

 

 

Even small repairs, such as straightening a corner, wiping a smudge, or glueing a loose edge, can cause permanent damage if you don’t have the right materials or training. If you notice something has changed in your artwork (a crack, discolouration, or warping), it’s best to pause and get professional advice.

Reach out to the gallery or artist you bought it from, or find a certified conservator in your area. A quick fix might seem like a good idea, but real preservation requires a long-term approach.

7. Regular Inspection

 

Check your artwork from time to time for any signs of damage, such as discolouration, mould, or insect activity. Catching changes early allows you to take action before they get worse. If you’re unsure about anything, it’s always best to ask a professional conservator for advice.

Caring for Art is Part of the Collector's Journey

Becoming an art collector starts with your first purchase, but it doesn't end there. Caring for a piece is part of the collector’s journey and the artwork’s story on your walls. Whether it’s a bold abstract canvas or a quiet fine art photograph, each work deserves the kind of attention that helps it last.

At Artamine, we make that part easier. Every artwork is printed in museum quality, custom-framed in FSC®-certified wood, and delivered ready to hang. So you can focus on choosing pieces you love and exploring the mediums that speak to you, whether that’s photography, painting, or mixed media. Explore all our editions to find artworks that inspire you and feel right for your space.

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